09/17/2021
In this life we take upon ourselves the responsibility for many of the troubles, and things that challenge us. When a father dies a child steps forward and takes control of the family farm, or when cancer attacks there is always one soul who, more than all the others, becomes the caregiver, and goes with the sick one to the doctor, and holds their hand while they suffer. As men and women of faith we will always be joined by God, and Jesus Christ, in such times as these, yet so often we don’t accept Their care like we should. When we are sick we keep looking towards our human caregivers for comfort, and when we are holding the hand of someone who is struggling, we never want to let it go, or put it in the hand of Jesus. We are reluctant to take His yoke upon us, and experience His rest.
“Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”
Matthew 11:29 ESV
As children we run to our mothers when we are hurt. All of our trust is placed in her as she kisses our scrape, or washes the dirt out of a wound and put a bandage on it. About the only time I can remember doubting my mother was when she wanted to remove a splinter from my finger with a needle, and even then it was more a fear of the needle than doubting in her, or that she was doing the right thing. This is how Jesus wants us to come running to Him, and we are meant to trust God in our bad, or hard times.
“Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.”
1 Peter 5:6-7 ESV
So although these lines of parental responsibility are rather blurry, as a child our earthly father typically provides for us, teaches us to fend for ourselves, and protects us, while our mother nurtures us, cares for us, prepares our meals, tends our wounds, and her kisses are given as an amazing ointment for every pain. These roles are very similar to those that are filled by God, and Jesus Christ, in our spiritual lives. The question becomes this… do we turn to them as we should, and trust ourselves completely to their care? Proverbs 3:5-12 leads us through how we are to go about dwelling in this relationship with God; listen to these verses…
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.”
Proverbs 3:5 ESV
“In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”
Proverbs 3:6 ESV
“Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil.”
Proverbs 3:7 ESV
“It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones.”
Proverbs 3:8 ESV
“Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce; then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine.”
Proverbs 3:9-10 ESV
And when we stray we are told…
“My son, do not despise the Lord’s discipline or be weary of his reproof, for the Lord reproves him whom he loves, as a father the son in whom he delights.”
Proverbs 3:11-12 ESV
Then why’s it that when Jesus tells us to take His yoke upon us, and that He will give us rest, that we continue to turn first to the world for our help? When we are fearing harm why do we keep looking to man as our first line of defense, and for our protection? When we allow Jesus to lead the way as we care for others, or they care for us, then we find rest, and when we place our troubles in the hands of God we can sleep at night, and be at ease in the day. This is our promise, and our hope.
“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with his pinions, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness is a shield and buckler. You will not fear the terror of the night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in darkness, nor the destruction that wastes at noonday.”
Psalm 91:1-6 ESV
Prayer:
Father, thank you for being with me always, and for protecting me against every harm, if I will only trust in you. Thank you for your Son Jesus who has redeemed me, and whose yoke lightens my burdens and gives me rest. Help me Father to trust, first and foremost, in you, Jesus, snd the Holy Spirit, as the trials and tribulations of the world confront me, and Satan tempts me to put my faith in him, and lean on man’s wisdom. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you my God who guards me against all danger, and has sent your Son Jesus to teach me how to place my faith in you, and of your love for me. Praised be your name for every victory in my life, and for each healing touch of Christ that brings me rest. Merciful are you for your grace that flows through Christ, and washes me in His blood, as it I am returned to righteousness. Call me your child, and I will call you Abba, Father, and hold your hand forevermore… trusting in you, and resting in Christ Jesus.
“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. 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 121:1-8 ESV
Rich Forbes