03/20/2021
Are you troubled right now? Maybe you were unable to sleep last night because of worry? We all find ourselves experiencing hardship or uncertainty at some point in our lives, but as Christians we have a source of help that gives us amazing peace, and returns joy to our days. When Jesus abides in us He brings with Him the presence of our Heavenly Father, because God abides in Jesus, and Jesus in Him. In this way God is with us in our sorrows, troubles, mourning, and every aspect of our lives... and He is our help; our comfort and cheer.
“When the cares of my heart are many, your consolations cheer my soul.”
Psalm 94:19 ESV
When we face calamity, loss, or suffering, our human nature moves us to confront it ourselves. We try to personally reason our way through every problem we face, and Satan cheers us on in our efforts by assuring us that we can succeed on our own, and that when we do, then God will be very pleased with us. This is a lie, because God wants nothing more than for us to turn to Him in all things. God says this to man...
““Because he holds fast to me in love, I will deliver him; I will protect him, because he knows my name. When he calls to me, I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will rescue him and honor him. With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation.””
Psalm 91:14-16 ESV
Good parents share in the lives of their children, and want them to come to them with not only their joys and accomplishments, but even more so when they are sorrowful, fearful, or suffering. When our children are hurting then we hurt, when they suffer loss then we too experience loss. Whatever the circumstance, whether sorrowful, or filled with joy, my wife and I share in it with our children. This is the relationship that God desires to have with us. He doesn’t want to be our last resort, but our ever present and loving confidant, counselor, Father, and God.
“do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:6-7 ESV
As parents we can’t personally fix every problem that our children face in life, but even when we can fix them, the first thing we should do is let them know we are in prayer for them, or kneel down in our children’s presence, and pray for God to help them. In this way we show them where we turn for guidance, and help in all things... not only when facing the unsurmountable problems, but in every circumstance. In our prayers we we teach them that we ask for the Lord to help us so that His Will is done, and we would glorify Him. In this way they will know how to lead their lives, and meet its challenges, when we are not there.
“I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.”
Psalm 121:1-2 ESV
So today you might be fretful, hurting, or anxious because of fear, and worry, but there is help waiting for you, and comfort available to sooth your most intense anxiety. Tonight you might toss and turn as you worry, but if you will trust completely in the Lord, and let God have your cares, you will find peaceful rest in Him. Turn to Jesus, and pray in His name to our Holy Father. Ask for God’s help, and for Him to calm you as you wait on Him. Never doubt His love for you, or His desire to help you through the challenges of your life.
“He will not let your foot be moved; he who keeps you will not slumber. Behold, he who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord is your keeper; the Lord is your shade on your right hand. The sun shall not strike you by day, nor the moon by night. The Lord will keep you from all evil; he will keep your life. The Lord will keep your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forevermore.”
Psalm 121:3-8 ESV
Prayer:
Father, thank you for being ever present in my life, and for the comfort and help you give me in the challenges, and suffering, that I feel, and for your hand in every other aspect of my life. Teach me Father to come before you in prayer with all things; to thank you for your provision, praise you for every good thing, and to glorify your name in every instance in which you help me... big and small alike. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you my God who watches over me; who is my companion when I am lonely, help when I am desperate, guide when I am lost, and in every way my all in all. Praised be your name for every answer to prayer, and your faithfulness in all of your promises. Great are you Holy Father as you move to bring me comfort, joy, and peace in times of my greatest tribulation, deepest sorrow, or most bitter loss. You are merciful Lord, and your grace abounds in me through your Son Jesus Christ. All glory is yours Father, and I yield it to you in every miracle, blessing, and help you give me. I pray that in Christ you wash me clean of my sin, and give me help through your Holy Spirit as I strive for righteousness. Lift me up Father, and seat me at your table forever. Dry my tears, and let no harm, or any suffering, come to me ever again... let me find my eternal joy, comfort, and peace, with you, and let the glow of your glory be upon me, eternally.
Rich Forbes