BIBLE PASSAGE:
“Surely everyone goes around like a mere phantom; in vain they rush about,
heaping up wealth without knowing whose it will finally be. But now, Lord,
what do I look for? My hope is in you.”
(Psalm 39:6-7)
MEDITATION:
If we need a solution to a problem, all we have to do is ask someone.
Since everyone has opinions (and some often share theirs unsolicited)
we can get all kinds of advice, can’t we? The problem we have with
seeking advice from others is, who should we listen to? We are more
likely to gravitate to someone who has had the same problem in their
life, or someone who is considered an expert regarding our problem.
If we choose someone who has had the same problem, should we trust
their advice if they have had only one similar experience; or, should
we only trust those who have had the same problem multiple times?
What about listening to so-called experts? How can we determine if
someone is really an expert and if so, how do we know we can trust
their advice?
Life throws us many curves that can be shocking, disappointing,
depressing, anger arousing, frustrating, unfair, saddening, uplifting,
or impacting us in any number of other ways. Consequently, it is
important for us to find a dependable source for advice.
The scriptures tell us that the psalmist found his trustworthy advisor.
Whenever he faced any problems, he looked to the Lord. He also knew
in whom to place his trust, not only for problems while living out his life,
but also for the issue of where he will spend eternity. When the storms of
life raged, the psalmist knew where to find peace.
Why doesn’t everyone place their trust in the Lord? The psalmist explains
it very well, even though his words were written centuries ago. He tells us
that because people have the wrong focus, they don’t have time to spend
with the Lord. They have allowed the things of the world (pursuing wealth
and popularity, etc.) to create a barrier between them and the Lord. As a
result, they have failed to create a personal fellowship with the Lord.
Whenever we know very little about the Lord, it makes it difficult for
us to understand His ways, to know how He can communicate with us,
and to confidently trust Him to give us with guidance, direction and
instructions for handling whatever comes our way.
Too many are missing out on the opportunity for peace,
because they are looking for relief in all the wrong places.
ACTION:
Questions to consider:
– When I have issues or concerns, where do I receive my advice?
– Have I allowed the world to blur my focus and attention on the Lord?
– Would I say my relationship with the Lord is intimate (closely acquainted;
familiar; personal), or casual (relaxed and unconcerned; not regular or
permanent)?
– How much time do I try to spend with the Lord each day?
– What prevents me from spending more time with Him?
Do not be like them, for your Father
knows what you need before you ask him.
(Matthew 6:8)
If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your
children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts
to those who ask him!
(Matthew 7:11)
This is the confidence we have in approaching God:
that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.
(1 John 5:14)
Pray,
“Heavenly Father, like the psalmist, I want to have a close relationship
with you. Whenever I am surprised or troubled about things in this life,
I want to go to You first for guidance and peace. Forgive me if I have
allowed other things to come between You and me. Help me to make a
conscious effort to spend more time with You daily. I want to have a
close relationship with You like the psalmist had, so You will always
be my hope who guides me like You guided the psalmist.”
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