Psalm 46:1-3
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear. Even though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; Though its waters roar and be troubled, Though the mountains shake with its swelling.
Many of us are troubled by personal pain, by lack of finances, and by what we see happening around us in the world. It's very easy to get drug down into the pit of despair if we focus too much on these troubles. They are very real, after all, so it's very easy to allow them to drag us down into despair.God knows this about his children, and so, throughout the Bible He is always reminding us that He's there - present - with us - closer than a brother.
Knowing that God is our refuge and our strength is so reassuring to me. I know I can't do anything in my own strength. Especially when I'm in pain or down in the pit of despair. Instead of looking down at my circumstances, I can look up and see that He is there - He is present - He hasn't forgotten me! He hasn't forgotten you!
There is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.
Proverbs 18:24b
Jesus is the One who sticks closer than a brother. He knows our troubles and He hears our cries of despair. The Bible tells us that the Lord saves our tears in a bottle! (Psalm 56:8) He cares for us like no other one can or ever will. He loves us in a deeper and more meaningful way than anyone else ever will. Can we even comprehend His love?
Like you, I have my share of troubles. I live with constant and daily pain, my finances are less than healthy, there are family members that are dealing with health issues and pain, and I have friends who are going through numerous problems. It would be so easy to wallow in that pit of despair and wring my hands, but I don't have to! The Lord is my refuge - I can hide under His wings and pray to Him and KNOW that He is taking care of everything in His own perfect way. Not only that, but He will work things out for our good and His glory. Many times, things work out even better than I could have imagined and that's definitely a "God thing". I couldn't have worked it out like He does.
Be still and know that I am God
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth!
Psalm 46:10
Consider who God is! Be still in His presence and quietly contemplate who He is. When we consider who He is - our Creator, our Comforter, King of Kings - Lords of Lords, our Savior - we realize that we can trust our lives and troubles to Him. We can be confident that He is working all things out and that He has not forsaken us. He is right there with us and is reaching out a hand to bring us out of our pit of despair. Reach up and take the hand of the One who loves you so much that He sent His son to die for you. Only through Jesus can we have hope and turn our faces to the Son who shines the light into the darkest corners of our concerns.
I am praying for you, my dear readers. You are all so special to me and I know many of you are going through painful situations. I am so thankful for the prayers you offer on my behalf, too. God has truly worked through those prayers and I am blessed.
Have a wonderful Lord's day - Julie
God bless you this day and every day Julie!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful encouragement, bless you.
ReplyDelete