I Peter 5:6-7 / Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.
There seems to be a common thread that is running through the people I know who are truly following Christ. I have talked with several over the past few days who are totally overwhelmed over situations and circumstances that weigh heavy on them.
Now I'm not here to give religious platitudes or catchy bible phrases. Times like this call for clarity and the ability to hear God for direction and guidance in how to face this tidal wave of problems. Sometimes we get so overwhelmed we think that we need to redouble our efforts and just meet the problems head on in our own strength and will. Such pushes God to the edge as if we are telling Him, "Take a break God, I got this one!"
I am reminded of a king named Jehoshaphat. In II Chronicles 19, we read where this king got word that there were three armies marching to wage war against him. Now one army is bad enough but here you have the combined might and power of three. Jehoshaphat's response is something that I think we might ought to consider for our own lives. Verse 3 reads, "And Jehoshaphat FEARED, and set himself to seek the Lord."
The king had a natural human response to this news that war was moving his way. He was afraid. But rather than let the fear consume him, he turned to the only One who could do something about his situation. That someone was God.
Who do we turn too when we are overwhelmed? When the "armies" of our enemy are at the door banging on it for us to let them in. You see, the ways of God are not like the ways, attitudes and actions of this world. His desire is for us to turn to Him. We are called to cast....throw....heave....get rid of all our anxiousness...by turning them over to Him. Why? Because He cares for us. God desire is for us to trust Him in every situation. To turn to Him when circumstances pile up to the point we can't catch our breath. Turn to Him when we have no answers to what we are facing.
Who do you turn too? I know that this is something that I still struggle with. But I am learning the value of not trying to fight the world by turning to God. As the days get darker and darker spiritually, we need to learn this lesson well. If you have never read II Chronicles 19, take time to do so. There is a phrase found in this chapter that truly stirs me and gives me hope.
II Chronicles 19:17 / You will not need to fight in this battle. Position yourselves, stand still and see the salvation of the Lord, who is with you, O Judah and Jerusalem. Do not fear or be dismayed; tomorrow go out against them (the three armies), for the Lord is with you.
Chew on this today and let God reveal His truth to you that He does care for you, and wants to take your cares and troubles upon Himself.
God on you...
michael b
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