BIBLE PASSAGE:
Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed,
for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. All who
rage against you will surely be ashamed and disgraced;
those who oppose you will be as nothing and perish.
(Isaiah 41:10-11)
MEDITATION:
Have you ever heard someone say,
“I wish I could find some stability in my life”?
When life is a constant turmoil of busyness, it would be nice to have
a happy and secure place available for peace and rest. When things
are piling up and the pressures of life are stressing us out, we need
someone who can understand what we are going through, and
especially when we have trouble describing our distress to others.
Have you ever been at ‘that place’ where you are stressed and
restless but if someone asks you to tell them about it, you have
trouble explaining the pressures you are feeling?
Maybe you have experienced the frustration of trying to explain
your problems, but while you are expressing your feelings, the
problems seem to shrink in size; however you know they are real
and large, even if it doesn’t sound that severe to others. When
we are stressed, we can feel alone with the walls closing in and
we can have a desire to shout out,
“Doesn’t anyone understand what I’m going through?”
The good news is, the God who created us, does understand us
(better than we understand ourselves). And why wouldn’t He,
since we are His creation. In Isaiah 41, He gives us some valuable
information to comfort us.
First of all He tells us not to fear. Sometimes our stresses are
self-induced as a result of our fears of what might happen.
We can become stressed over what could happen, but most
of the time, it never does.
Secondly, and this is the most important, our God is always with us.
When we feel alone, He is there; when we need a close friend, He is
there. Sometimes He speaks to us through a friend.
Thirdly, He tells us to not be dismayed (discouraged, depressed,
intimidated, demoralized, disheartened, etc.), because He is our
God. In other words, He is our omnipotent Heavenly Father who
is always in control.
Then He gives us words of encouragement. When we feel weak,
He will strengthen us; when we feel helpless, He is there to
encourage and help us cope with our issues; when our problems
are dragging us down, He will lift us up and give us His support.
We may have friends who care about us and really want to help,
but they just don’t know how…however, God knows how!
Not only do God’s blessings rest on us, but His presence is
constantly with us. We can never be in a place where He is
not with us (read Psalm 139). His presence and power will
uphold us and strengthen us.
No matter what is going on, God will give us the ultimate triumph.
If we are being oppressed by others, our God will bless us with the
ability to continue doing what is right.
ACTION:
Maybe you are going through a difficult time right now and are
disappointed that others cannot understand your frustrations
and worry. This could be a time of ‘spiritual renewal’ as you pour
your heart out to your Heavenly Father.
God made you, He understands you, He knows what you need,
He wants to bless you, and He wants to fellowship with you. This
could be your opportunity to increase your relationship with Lord
and receive more of His blessings.
Pray,
“Heavenly Father, thank You for Your promises to always
be with me and bless me with what I need for every situation.
You are the God of the world, but you are also my God who
loves and cares about me. You see my struggles and burdens
and You hear my cries for help and mercy. I pray that You
would deliver me from every physical, mental, emotional and
spiritual enemy. Give me the boldness to stand firm in my faith
in You. Help me to increase my relationship and fellowship with
You. I praise You my Heavenly Father!”
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