On occasion, I’ve seen people
becoming short with those around them, especially their loved ones. I’ve heard it said that individuals often
hurt those they love the most. No doubt,
there are usually underlying reasons for doing so—something down deep in a
person’s soul that is dragging them down.
Has this ever happened to
you? It happens to me.
When these unwanted events
raise their ugly heads, at times I am totally oblivious as to their
source. Yet that invader of peace tries
to manipulate my mind, dragging me into another dimension of weariness and
confusion. It’s not knowing that usually
gets to me when I can’t put my finger on what’s causing the problem. Until I figure it out, a constant nagging
within my subconscious keeps buffeting me.
At these times of unrest, I
ask God for help. He is always there to
embrace, encourage, and help me resolve the onslaught of discomfort. The Bible says, “God is not the author of
confusion.” Scripture also says, “When
the enemy comes in like a flood, God will raise up a standard against him.”
Old slough-foot, as I call
him, has a lot to do with the things that periodically pester us. It’s difficult at times to distinguish the
devil’s annoying attacks from the mere circumstances of life that trouble us. Nevertheless, we can call upon the Lord in
times like these. He may reveal the
source, or it could be one of those times when we simply have to walk by faith,
believing that God knows all about the situation. Through the working of the Holy Spirit, peace
soon returns.
Christians have the Comforter
in times like these—the One God gave us to bring comfort to our souls. We need only to call upon the name of Jesus,
place the disturbance at His feet, and believe that He will resolve the issue.
But there’s a catch: we must
be patient and allow Him to work while endeavoring to keep our attitudes in
check. After all, didn’t the lord
promise to keep us safe in His care, like a mother hen protecting her chicks
beneath her wings?
Peter reminds us, “Casting
all your care upon him; for he careth for you” (1 Peter 5:7).
The key to preventing things
from dragging us down is to walk daily in the power of the Holy Spirit,
allowing Him to soothe our minds as we meditate on God’s grace, His goodness,
and His love.
2 Timothy 2:7 says, “Think
over these things I am saying (understand them and grasp their application),
for the Lord will grant you full insight and understanding in everything.”
There is another Scripture in
Philippians 4:8 that can produce a calming resolve in the midst of confusion: “Finally,
brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever
things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely,
whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be
any praise, think on these things.”
Yes, I understand that it is
easier said than done, especially when we are being buffeted nonstop, on all
sides, by the oppressor—or when we are being battered by the things of life
because we inadvertently allow them to take away our peace of mind.
We must rest in the Lord and
in the knowledge that we are very special to Him. Born-again believers are His beloved
children. He wants an abundance of joy
to fill our hearts, not those things that bring discouragement and cause us to
doubt that He is concerned about us.
Romans 8:28 reminds us, “And
we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who
have been called according to His purpose.”
Remember, God can make
something good out of things that we perceive as bad.
There’s no doubt in my mind that He loves us dearly!
Written by,
Papa Boyd
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