12/28/2022
When we take it upon ourselves to solve the issues, and confront the enemies in our lives, we are destined to be fearful and anxious, but if we hand our cares to God in prayer He will take them, and free us of our fright, and concern. He is wise, strong, able to solve every trouble, and when we trust in Him, He will refresh us, and return to us His peace.
“do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.”
Philippians 4:6 ESV
When we are self-assured we can see no further than our own abilities, and will try to use the tools of our own bodies, minds, souls, and strength to face the world. When we lean in this way on our own understanding then we are destined to fail and to face the issues of life with fear, anxiousness, and disappointment. However, when we pray to God in the name of Jesus, and trust in Him completely to meet our needs, then we will find peace in knowing that our every care will be met, and we will be refreshed as His will is done and all things are worked together for our good.
“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.”
Romans 8:28 ESV
When I was young I heard a saying that went like this: “if the only tool you have is a hammer, then every problem looks like a nail.” It took me a while to understand the truth of this saying and internalize it, but eventually I found it to be wise, and no more so than in my faith, and the relationship I continued to develop with God. Our God is not a single tool, but more like a tool box that contains every tool. He sees our problems in ways we can’t possibly see them.
““Thus says the Lord who made the earth, the Lord who formed it to establish it—the Lord is his name: Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known.”
Jeremiah 33:2-3 ESV
We are vain creatures by nature, and find it hard to admit when we are unable to solve the difficult situations in our lives. Rather than to seek God immediately in prayer we will continue to apply our hammer to the problem until at last, in desperation, we call on our Father for help. Why is it that we will suffer like this before finally turning to the One who can solve all problems with ease? Is it based on the same root desire that allowed the snake to tempt Eve in the Garden of Eden? Do we still desire to be self-sufficient, and like God?
“So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate, and she also gave some to her husband who was with her, and he ate.”
Genesis 3:6 ESV
God’s desire is that we shouldn’t lean on our own understanding, but to lean on Him, and yet time and time again we tell Him “ I can do this myself!” We say this each time we don’t reach out to Him in prayer. Isn’t this just another way that we are trying to prove to ourselves that we are capable of being like Him? Isn’t this a remnant of Adam and Eve that is left in us from the fall?
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones.”
Proverbs 3:5-8 ESV
“Refreshment to your bones”; we hear something similar in the verse following our opening scripture but in a slightly different way. Our refreshment is referred to in that verse as “peace”… listen…
“And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:7 ESV
Peace, and Refreshment; aren’t we ready to receive these today? Well, it is readily available to us, and being extended to us in the open hand of God. All we need to do is to put down our hammer of self-assuredness and turn to our Heavenly Father in prayer. Why wait? What is the value in trying to achieve for ourselves something that we cannot possibly do on our own, and which only brings us disappointment? Why do we continue to long for that one thing that we can’t possibly be… God.
“Let your heart therefore be wholly true to the Lord our God, walking in his statutes and keeping his commandments, as at this day.””
1 Kings 8:61 ESV
Prayer:
Father, thank you for always being here with us and waiting for us to turn to you in prayer. Hear our troubles and our desires, and if we ask in the name of Jesus, and it be your will, then help us Lord. Take away the fear and anxiety of life, and refresh us in your peace. Let your joy fill us, and your praise pour from our mouths. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you our God on whom we lean for our every need. Praised be your name for every good thing, and our deliverance from temptation and evil. Merciful are you who hears our prayers and takes away our fear and anxiety. Full of grace are you who sent your Son Jesus to redeem us with his life, death, resurrection, and ascension. Wash us clean of sin with His blood, and raise us up with Him on the day of our judgement. Hear our prayers mingled with His as He intercedes for us, and let every prayer we pray be faithfully within your will. Holy Father, deem us worthy in Christ, and seat us eternally at your heavenly table… refreshed, and filled to overflowing with your peace.
Rich Forbes