Weekend Words

 From A Year's Journey with God...

Enjoying a Worry Session

"Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for Him.  The meek will inherit the land and enjoy great peace." - Psalm 37:7,11

Moses and Jesus were both described as 'meek' but they were anything but wimps!  They were strong and courageous, yet totally submitted to God the Father in everything.  When Jesus said the meek are blessed (Matthew 5:5), He was referring to a quality that is totally opposite to arrogance, pride and self-assertion.  In the language of His hearers, meek would describe a powerful war horse that was totally under the control of its rider.  These days we prize self-confidence, but its roots are in pride, which says, 'I can manage my own life; I don't need God's help.'  Pride like that is a dangerous illusion: God did not design us to be self-sufficient.  Yet there are areas in all our lives were we secretly want to take control.  In this psalm David urges us to trust God to provide everything we need, and then to sit waiting for Him to act on our behalf.  That is extremely difficult, especially if you are a born worrier and a bit of a control freak.  The very best antidote to worry is to allow God to take control of every place in us where we are not being meek.  Then we'll 'enjoy great peace', which is far more pleasant than 'enjoying' a prolonged worry session!

Some people bear three kinds of trouble - the ones they've had, the ones they have, and the ones they expect to have. - Edward Everett Hale (1822-1909)

From Be Still and Know...

"For God has said, I will never, never fail you nor forsake you" (Hebrews 13:5 LB).

The foundation of our faith is the Word of God.  In this Scripture verse God Himself speaks, "For God has said."  It is not what "they say," nor what "we say," but what "God says" that is important.

What did God say?  He promised, "I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee."  God always keeps His Word.  He can be trusted.

The word "leave" usually means "to depart."  In this verse it has a deeper meaning of "I will not let you go."

He is always near to come to our aid when we are in trouble.  His promise gives us confidence.  "That we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper."

Has there been a time in your life when you were overworked, when you had more to do than you could do?  You were weary and discouraged almost to the breaking point.  You were ready to give up.  Suddenly a friend came, saying, "I have come to HELP you."  How your spirits were lifted and the burden was eased.

The LORD is such a helper, One who is always near to give needed help.  The Lord IS our helper.  He is a present helper, even for today.  "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble" (Psalm 46:1).

His help is for us personally.  The Lord is MY helper.  "MY help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth" (Psalm 121:2).

There are times when friends cannot help, but the Lord can; when money cannot help, but the Lord can; when social position cannot help, but the Lord can.

We can depend on His help, for we have His promise that He will never leave us nor forsake us.

David Livingstone, when sailing for Africa the first time, was accompanied to the dock by some close friends.  Concerned for his safety, they reminded him of the dangers, hoping he would yet turn back.

Livingstone quickly opened his Bible and read, "Lo, I am with you always."  Then he said, "That is the word of a Gentleman.  Let us be going."