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“When doubts filled my mind, your comfort gave me renewed hope and cheer.” Psalms 94:19
Sometimes when we are challenged with something, difficult we move forward cautiously. There may become a time when we get to the point of no return. We doubt our ability to succeed and worry feeds our heart.
I see doubt and worry like driving into a tunnel. It can be dark and scary, you may question whether or not you’ll make it. And then you see the light at the end of the tunnel. Then you know you can make it to the end.
Jesus is like that light at the end of the tunnel. We may worry about the future. We may fear what is in the shadows. We may question our ability or the motives of others. We may even begin to doubt Gods presence.
But when we look to Jesus we find the comfort we need to move forward. When he was on earth, Jesus constantly reminded us that he would be with us always. He promised us a comforter in the Holy Spirit who empower us through the difficult times.
In the dark shadows of a tunnel, focus on the light at the end. He’ll see you through. He won’t take the darkness away, but he will assure you that you will make it through.
“For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.” Philippians 2:13
A few times every year an event happens that excites every true sports fan. During this event, they may sit glued to their screens in anxious anticipation. Some will leave angry or disappointed. Some will leave excited. All will leave hopeful. This strange event I’m talking about isn’t a football game or baseball game or a hockey game. No one is dressed in team uniforms. There are no officials. If you haven’t figured it out yet, what I’m talking about is the draft. By design, the draft is created to allow teams to add to their rosters players that will best suit their needs. Teams that have bad records get the first choices, teams that have good records get the last choices, unless of course there are trades.
But this devotional isn’t about the draft or athletes. It’s about potential. You see players are drafted with hopes that they will live up to their potential. Sometimes players who are expected to do well, do poorly. Sometimes players who are expected to be average, become superstars. The difference is potential over actual.
In the Christian life it’s no different really. We all have a tremendous amount of potential. Not because of our own abilities, but because of the driving force behind our potential. The difference is that we have God on our side. In fact, the very Spirit of God dwells in us. Think about it. The same power that created the world; the same power that erased Jesus from the dead, lives in you as a Christ-follower.
If we follow him he’ll help us to reach our best potential possible. Relying on him for our strength and our direction will help us each to be a superstar in his eyes. And that’s all that really counts. Potential over actual. God is the difference between being average and reaching your potential. In Jesus you can rise above mediocrity and be awesome.
“We keep looking to the Lord our God for his mercy, just as servants keep their eyes on their master, as a slave girl watches her mistress for the slightest signal.” Psalms 123:2
Our family loves to camp. When our youngest was very young she was very afraid of the dark so she would sleep with her mom. As long as she was touching her mom she was fine, but if mom made the slightest move it would not be long before a hand or a foot would be touching her. As long as she could touch her mom, she had nothing to worry about. She needed that constant affirmation that mom was there to protect her.
In the same way, we as believers in the Lord God of heaven need constant reminders of his love and mercy. The writer of this song, reminds us of how important it is to always remember that God is near. His mercy is never more than a touch away.
Sometimes that’s easy to forget. Life gets hard. Relationships fail. Our bodies grow old..Voices scream at us with doubts about his presence, his wisdom or even if he cares about what we are going through.
A good servant, knows his master. When life circumstances attack, the trusting servant doesn’t look at the problem. He looks st his master. If the master doesn’t seem concerned, the servant is at peace. He’s ‘in touch’ with the master and things will be okay.
On the other hand, if the master seems alarmed, the servant will also be concerned and spring into action..
The psalmist reminds us to keep our focus off of life circumstances and on the Father. We know his mercy is available. We know his grace is plentiful..we know his power and wisdom are unmatched. Our God is merciful in the big things and the little things. Don’t miss them! Stay in touch. Watch for the sign.
Mike Fisk & Built with Grace 