You didn't make the cut. You've failed a test that could decide the outcome of a class you need to pass. Your finances aren't looking any better than they did a week ago, actually they look worse. A close relative has fallen ill and the doctor can't give you any hope as to if they will make it through the night. There are so many situations that we face throughout our lives where all we want to do is lower our heads in dismay. At times we feel like trouble awaits us at every turn that we can't even leave our homes without fearing for the worse. We try to keep hope alive but when we look around it doesn't seem like there's much to be hopeful for. Every second of your life you have spent working on the behalf of others only to be left with nothing for yourself. "A smile goes a long way" is what you tell yourself but behind the smile you're scared, helpless, and screaming for a way out.
There is a way out! You may recall hearing about a man named Jesus Christ who turns every wicked scheme or bad circumstance in your favor. I know you're probably saying I know him, but do you really KNOW him like you say you do? Too many of us claim to follow Christ but what we really want is for Christ to follow us. We put him on the sidelines to run interference against any opposition we may face, but here's a news flash, "He's not your lackey!" Jesus extended an invitation for everyone who is tired of just existing in this world and has a desire to start LIVING. The life he offers to us requires us to be born again by confessing with our mouth that he is Lord accompanied by the belief that God raised Jesus from the dead scripture says that from there you are saved. No we don't have to climb back into our mothers womb to be born again. We have to put our old self and our old ways to death. Becoming a new creature with a new purpose in Christ Jesus. You may be asking, "Well what does this have to do with what I'm going through now?" The answer is simple...EVERYTHING.
This day in age some of us have conformed to the ideals of a "quick fix" society. Like the popular commercial, "It's my money and I want it now!" we want everything in an instance. Technology has become advanced to the point where at the sound of your voice you could be directed anywhere, make transactions, start vehicles, and so much more. But in the midst of all of this what do you think is more important...the stuff or your soul? "What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?" (Mark 8:36 NIV) What this world needs and what you need more than ever is a permanent solution to your problems. Jesus is that permanent solution who offers not just to pick you up when you're down but to lift you up and not allow anything to destroy what He himself has called you to be. "For he will hide me in his shelter in the day of trouble; he will conceal me under the cover of his tent; he will lift me high upon a rock. And now my head shall be lifted up above my enemies all around me, and I will offer in his tent sacrifices with shouts of joy; I will sing and make melody to the Lord." (Psalm 27:5, 6 ESV)
Would you bow and pray with me:
Oh most gracious and Heavenly Father we come to you with a praise on our lips and thanksgiving in our hearts. We thank you for another opportunity to come before you in prayer. Lord, some of us are lost right now. Some of us are surrounded by the distractions of this world and can't see a way of escape. Lord, some are even sinking deeper into despair because they have no hope for today let alone for a tomorrow. But we know lord that all things work together for the good of those that love you and who are called according to your purpose. So breathe new life within us. Save us from the sinking sand that is our life. Lord, we thank you for never giving up on us when we ourselves had given up. Lord, we lift you up right now because you said in your word that, "If I be lifted up, I'll draw all men unto me". So we ask for you to lift us up out of our darkness and into your marvelous light. For your names sake, cleanse us of everything that offends you and teach us to walk with you. To the only wise God who is able to present us faultless please continue to be our strength and our redeemer. In the mighty name of Jesus we pray. Amen.
-Fredric Creamer
Athens, Ga
Albany State University Graduate
Psalmist and Worshipper
No comments:
Post a Comment