When Difficulties Invade Our Space

No matter where we think we are on the scale of importance in this society of haves and have-nots, one thing remains constant, difficulties will find us whether we are high on the ladder of success of otherwise.  Setbacks care not what our rank-and-file may be or the color of our skin. 

As long as we walk this earth, trials and tribulations will come our way.  They are a part of living.  It is how we respond to these unwanted battles that set the level of angst we may or may not experience.  Either they overwhelm us or we refuse to crumble under the attack.  I choose to stand strong in God’s strength.  After all, He said that He would never leave or forsake us.

Though misfortune and even calamity strike, reliance on God and standing fast in patience, pushes doubt and fear aside, because of the hope within us.  I believe that patience and faith run a close parallel with each other, being synonymous.   Could it be they are one in the same?

When conditions change from all is well to why are these things happening, it is sometimes difficult to remind ourselves that Jesus is bigger than any problem we face when standing in the midst of the flames.  Reflecting on past victories builds our confidence and trust that God will see us through the hard times, because He cares for us and loves us with a never ending love.

David of old, in his youth, reflected on the times that he was able to slay a bear and lion with God’s help prior to facing the Philistine giant that was defying the armies of the living God.  King Saul and the men of Israel were dismayed and greatly afraid, but David stepped out in faith, knowing that the Lord would deliver Goliath into his hands and that he would defeat him in combat, because of past triumphs.  He knew that God’s faithfulness would not fail him (1 Samuel 17). 

Jesus loved us so much that He allowed Himself to be crucified on the cross for not only the forgiveness of our sins, but for the healing of minds and bodies.  We can know beyond a doubt that there is power in the blood He shed if we determine to do so.  He willingly gave His life for you and me.

Soon after Jesus resurrected from the dead and ascended into heaven, the Holy Spirit descended to help us live for God in our daily walk with Him and to be our comforter in times of trouble.

Putting self-reliance and intellect in check helps us to maintain the ability to walk by faith.  This allows a person to be strong in the knowledge that God sees the situation and knows how to resolve it.  His love is bountiful and unconditional. 

It may seem that God is on vacation at times or that He owns a five dollar watch when waiting for Him to respond to our prayers, but His timing is perfect in all things.  Believing that He cares for us allows patience to have its perfect work, thus, faith taking control of the situation.  Positive change is the result of trusting God, whereas, mere feelings can mislead and produce doubt if allowed to control our thinking.

God is sovereign.  In Him, supreme power reigns to meet our every need.  It can be difficult to remind ourselves of God’s omnipotence when things are going wrong, especially when we have cried out to Him for help and it seems that our prayers are futile, producing little results.  At these times our faith is tested, causing our patience to sometimes waver.

When a storm unleashes all its furry and Satan jumps on our shoulder to point the finger at God for not caring, patience can be influenced negatively if we listen to his lies rather than rebuking him.  When patience is allowed to fluctuate, our level of faith weakens.  The devil knows this, but God is greater!  The Holy Spirit quickens our thinking and redirects it toward the One who truly cares.

It is easy to look at the circumstances rather than standing in faith.  I strive to not become anxious with the One who has the answers.  When I listen to the Holy Spirit and stop my complaining, faith has its way in my life.

Battling the unknowns that invade our space can fatigue anyone—mentally, emotionally, and spiritually, but the Holy Spirit teaches us how to surrender our problems and our will to God, who brings resolution. 

As I stated before, God’s timing is perfect.  He always comes through, which builds trust in Him and strengthens our belief system even more.  When I look back, as David did, I see the hand of God working to bring about positive results through constructive influences, even though the driving force of attacks seemed overwhelming. 

God brings the victory—always.  He has everything in control.  The Holy Spirit will not leave us comfortless, and Jesus will be our friend that sticks closer than a brother.  God wants us to be happy and depend upon Him without leaning to our own intellect and understanding of things.  He shows us His love, which enables hope to reside in our heart.

Our Heavenly Father wants us to trust Him in all things even though we may not understand all that is happening in the moment.  His ways are far beyond our understanding.  We need to stop relying on our finite thinking that suppresses faith, and leave the hard times in the hands of the Lord, because He cares for us.

Worrying and fretting limits our ability to trust God.  Walking by faith is when our patience remains steadfast.  This faith in God brings peace and stability in the face of difficulties.  We need not feel like we are circling the drain when the shadows of gloom come our way, because children of God need not allow their mind to spin out of control when the Holy Spirit is speaking, “Peace, be still.”

(Hebrews 11:1)  “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”

 Written by,
Papa Boyd

The Light

I have heard the statement, “I am who I am and I can’t change,” so many times that it annoys me when I hear it… usually spoken by me through the years.

How can a self-centered, egotistical person change their spots or stripes, as it were?  How can they become something other than what their environment, status, or self-worth has indelibly printed upon their psyche.  The way they think or see things from their prospective is life as they interpret it.  Is this not true?  So, how can they change?

Self-help books may help, but they can only provide avenues whereby an individual can detour from their way of living if they have the intestinal fortitude to do so.  It takes hard work and determination, but the percentage of failed attempts is high.

I believe the success rate of changing one’s personality runs a close second to New Year resolutions.  People join health spas and gyms, buy expensive, exercise equipment, and begin a regiment of starvation diets of the latest craze, hoping to improve their self-worth and lifestyle.

With the full intension of making positive health changes as their goal, if the newness of the experience wears off, old habits begin to creep back into the picture.  It is not long before the light of determination begins to dim, and strength of mind and willpower fade into frustration. 

The exercise equipment finds its way to the garage and soon, thereafter, a garage sale.  The burgers and fast food restaurants, again, become commonplace.  The absence of follow-through and maintaining a made-up mind begin to wane. 

For the most part, people are weak within themselves.  “I am who I am and I can’t change,” haunts them, which is an ongoing force that cripples the ability to dream and continue with aspirations for success.

I dare not say that change is impossible, because it is.  It is dependent upon the individual and their frame of mind with relation to follow-through and positive thinking.    

Success stories do happen, and I give kudos to those that achieve realistic goals.  It takes sacrifice and denying self.  There are those that accomplish what they have dreamed, because of the determination within them.

I remember, as a young man in my twenties, wanting to change my personality from a self-centered, I don’t care type of person, to that of a caring, peace-loving man, which did not include God in the mix.  I refused to embrace Him in the wheelhouse of my success story.  He was beyond the visual horizon of my desires, because I thought it meant giving up everything having to do with fun in the sun, figuratively speaking.

Try as I may, the old nature kept creeping back like an old habit—a non quenchable thirst that could not be satisfied.  Various things were tried to satisfy the thirst, but to no avail.  My old personality refused to submit to a new way of facing tomorrow’s challenges.  The unrest and turbulence inside me choked all ambition of finding happiness.  What I needed most was peace of mind.

The prospective of opening the door that separated darkness from light had swollen shut, because of the dank surroundings I occupied for years.  Hope was seemingly just beyond my reach; the other side of the closed door that my weakened state denied me the ability to open.

How long must I try to walk into the light via my own strength; my own abilities; my own self-will?  Hope was eluding me, because I wanted it my way, without God; without commitment to His Son, Jesus; without forgiveness of sin.

In my weakened state I concluded that it was God’s way or no way at all.  Though I tried to find peace in the things of this world, nothing satisfied.  Trying to give up this and that acerbated the problem, which resulted in deeper, more frustrating failures to rise above the entrapment that bound me in darkness.

The lack of light affected me physically, emotionally, and spiritually.  Relying on self to try and manipulate inner emotions caused me to fall deeper and deeper into a state of depression rather than rising above the mind-set that I was drowning in.  I was running from God, even though I knew He must be the answer to my longings.

My journey was wearisome, because lasting peace evaded my reach on every turn, while sinking into the mire of self-indulgent living.  An up and down roller coaster ride was my plight with little hope for success in sight.

I could not contrive to bring about objectivity by deliberate use of learned skills and cleverness.  The use of cunning devices to trick or deceive others, to lure them into my web of loneliness, worked, but in the end, all of my shrewd tactics left me feeling desperate, inadequate, and incompetent… and yes, alone.

I was drinking from a filthy cup filled with the dregs of riotous living.  Self-help schemes failed; positive thinking failed, and self-will tactics failed, just like the New Year resolutions I had made.  I exhausted all means by which I thought happiness could be found and was none the wiser or closer to finding answers than the years prior.

Finally, when all else had failed and my mind resolved that nothing on earth could take away the longing in my heart except Jesus, I turned my eyes upward, not to gaze at the ceiling of my apartment bedroom or light fixture hanging there, I yearned for a brighter light that would brighten my day and shed light on my pathway ahead.

(Psalm 119:105) “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”

The light of the world was knocking at my heart’s door—Jesus Christ.  I could almost hear Him whispering, “Cast all of your cares upon Me, because I care for you.”  The rest that I was searching for was just beyond the closed barrier.  

(Matthew 11:28) “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”

At a crossroads, I could see that the road I was on lead to destruction—sin and degradation.  It was wide with many pitfalls along the way.  The path to my right was straight and narrow, leading to an abundant life filled with peace and satisfaction—the way to God Almighty. 

I am thankful that I chose God’s way and asked Him to forgive me of my sins.  Jesus became Lord and Savior the moment I invited Him in.  The new path is brightly illuminated by the glory of His righteousness.  Jesus is the Light of the world.  Through His sacrifice, only, can a person experience eternal life in heaven.

My way was made clear when the light of God’s love opened my blinded eyes.  No longer do I walk in darkness, or fear what tomorrow may bring.  God gave me strength to open the door that separated me from His Son, because of love.  (John 3:16)

(Revelation 3:20) “Behold, I stand at the door and knock.  If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.”

I’m just a sinner saved by grace.  Jesus changed my way of thinking and gave me hope that I never had.  My flaws are becoming less and less numerous, because the Holy Spirit is my strength who helps me accomplish goals and overcome the temptation to fall back into yesterday’s habits.

It feels wonderful to possess the quality of having strong, moral principles; honesty and decency.  God will do the same for you.  Just open the door and allow The Light to dispel all darkness around you.

(2 Corinthians 5:17) “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.”

Written by,
Papa Boyd

How Muddy is too Muddy

Every kid should have the opportunity to grow up in a carefree, happy-go-lucky environment without all the troublesome things that they have to worry about in today’s society. 

Things were different when I was a lad.  There wasn’t the fear of being physically abused or harmed in any way, and parents did not fret over someone abducting their child.  It just didn’t happen where I grew up. 

Martinez, California, a small bedroom community near San Francisco, was a tranquil place where a person could enjoy a stress free life without all the woes that we hear so much of today.  Respect for the law and the rights of others were valued and a principled way to live—a code of ethics as it were. 

Today’s moral and ethical values are crumbling quickly.  I believe it is because of the lack of parental guidance and the absence of a male figure in the home and the filth being shown on computer screens and television shows—morality is swiftly being eroded. 

The news media glorifying crimes and mayhem to get higher ratings is also lending to the tearing down of ideals in our country.  How sad it is that disorder is the theme of most reporters, because bad news and smut sell.

In my youth, marriage was a sacred and meaningful union between a man and woman; divorce was seldom the answer.  It was for better or worse, in sickness and in health, until death do you part.  I am afraid that too many people enter marriage with the idea that if it doesn’t work, they’ll go their separate ways.  What about the children?

On a less solemn note, the word television was not in my vocabulary as a child.  We didn’t have one in our home.  In my household, a bible had its rightful and just place on the coffee table in the living room, not gathering dust, but being read frequently by my parents. 

I knew the power of prayer when Dad asked Jesus to heal me when I was sick.  At night, from my bedroom, I could hear Dad praying for our needs and the needs of others before he went to sleep.  I was raised to have confidence in God that He would help me in every situation of life and that He loved me very much. 

Songs filled our home day and night about the love of Jesus.  I can still hear my mom singing them.  She loved Jesus and wanted me to learn of His love and to follow Him as well… which brings me to today’s thought and the title above, “How Muddy is too Muddy.” 

I guess I could have titled this writing, “Discipline” because Mom and Dad believed and taught the meaning of obedience to their four children, to have respect for elders and authority over us, which involved an occasional talking-to or the paddling of my behind—“A trip to the woodshed,” as my dad would say.  Never was he excessive or abusive.  It was to teach me that there are consequences for my ill-mannered behavior.

I was a typical kid that loved to romp and play and do the things that kids do at this age.  No one had to teach me how to get dirty.  It was an everyday occurrence, a fact of life when growing up and playing with my buddies around the neighborhood. 

I must say, Mom was not happy when I mixed water and dirt together to make a wonderful concoction called, mud.  It was the creativity of resourcefulness and ingenuity of mixing two components together to blend just the right consistency to make mud pies, mud balls, and mud-walled forts that protected my toy, army men from impending dangers that lurked outside the walls.

When boredom raised its ugly head, my friends and I did what most venturous kids do.  It started with a very small amount of mud being slung.  Not that much, but just enough to set the mood for the next few minutes of fun in the sun. 

Mom wasn’t around, and yes, I was just an innocent by-stander that just got in the way somehow.  The small amounts of mud turned into an all-out mud fight.  The consequences of my actions were far from logical thinking at that moment as a blob of mud hit my cheekbone and splashed into my eye and open mouth, which left me vulnerable when washing it out with the garden hose. 

The taste of mud was unpleasant and gritty between my teeth.  The odor was unsavory and gross.    Splat…this time an earful of the brown, gushy mud filled my right ear, affecting my ability to hear.

You know how boys are.  They don’t know when enough is enough.  With filthy, mud-splattered trousers and shirt, and hair a different color now, I wondered how muddy is too muddy?  What would Mom say? 

If we would have been happy throwing small amounts of mud, I probably would not have worried so much about getting in trouble.  Things went south in a hurry and the consequences for my actions hung over my head like a dark cloud, unless I could hide it someway from Mom.

It wasn’t so much that she had to work harder to get my cloths clean in her old, Maytag, ringer washer, and hang them on the backyard cloth line to dry, Mom was worried about my eyesight and eardrums being injured.

Grabbing the garden hose, I frantically started hosing myself off in hopes of getting rid of the telltale evidence before she saw me.  The mess was not as messy as it was, but the stain was there.  What now?  What should I do?  I guess I would have to face the music anyway.  I wish I had it to do over.  I’ll tell her that it was the other guy’s fault that I got so muddy.  Yeah right, that will go over like a lead balloon.

How many times do we fail, as adults, to give thought to the things we watch on television, thinking that we are mature enough to deal with the violence, language, sexually explicit innuendoes, and the immoral overtones that writers and directors purposely put in their movies?  It leaves stains in our subconscious that are hard to get out once embedded. 

What we allow to enter our eye and ear gate can, in time, affect the taste in our mouth and having the smell of dirt.  Our words and actions surprise us at times and we ask ourselves, “Where did that come from?”  If we think it through, we will know.

Years ago, being a new Christian, I was trying to live for Christ by doing and saying that which pleased God.  I remember one day at work backing into a piece of steel rebar that was sticking out of the forms that were erected for an upcoming concrete pour.  You would have thought I had committed the unpardonable sin when I blurted out, “Damn it!”

I felt bad and immediately asked God to forgive me.  It wasn’t so much the word that offended me; it was the thought of displeasing God.  How often do we get into situations that we wish we had a do-over?  It was that kind of feeling. 

Are the words we use or the things we do pleasing to God?  Do they bother us as much today as they may have in the past?  If not, we better take note of the things we are feeding our subconscious through the eye and ear gate.  They are becoming injured, which will affect the whole body.  What we do and say can influence others.

We are in a sad state of affairs if we think we are okay, but when we ask ourselves are we as close to God and sensitive to His voice as we once were, and the answer comes back, “No.”  We need to do something about it before we are engulfed with indifference.

When we let down our spiritual guard and allow a small handful of mud to find its mark, perhaps our eyesight and hearing becomes affected like the shirt and pants in the story.  In time if we allow the mud to increase, stains will be the negative result. 

How muddy is too muddy before we do something about it?  Are PG rated movies okay?  What about PG-13, or R, or X or XXX rated?  Where do we draw the line on garbage input?

A computer term is this: “Garbage in, garbage out.”  Our Christian responsibility is to strive to become more like Jesus rather than falling into condemnation, because of our willful, obstinate naughtiness behind closed doors. 

People around us observe what we do and say, but our children are taking note of how we live.  Do as I say, not as I do will shatter respect faster than quick can get ready. 

Actions speak louder than words.  We must be the example of a Christ-filled life, a light to show the way, like my parents were to me.  Believers are the seasoning that offsets the bad taste of mud that the world slings our way.

(Matthew 4:13-16), “You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned?  It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men.”  vs.14 “You are the light of the world.  A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.”  vs.15 “Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lamp stand, and it gives light to all who are in the house.”  vs.16 “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”

Written by,

Papa Boyd

What Should I Do

Have you ever been in a quandary as to what to do next?  You felt like doing a certain thing, yet a prolonged struggle developed to do nothing.  I am not talking about being tempted to sin, because of bad behavioral issues with the flesh conflicting with God’s Spirit saying, “No.”  On the contrary, it is an inward clash of opposing wishes to do something for someone vs. not doing anything at all, because of embarrassment or fear.

Years ago, when I first became a Christian, God was teaching me how to hear His voice and respond to what He was saying.  It was not an audible voice; it was a strong feeling inside me, an out of the norm kind of feeling, to do something outside my comfort zone. 

I was sitting in church one Sunday evening and saw a person to my right and down a couple of pews, sobbing, with his head bowed low.  It was like the whole world was on his shoulders.  Empathy like I had never felt before welled up inside me and I wanted to go sit next to the man and offer some words of encouragement or pray for him.

I wrestled with the notion, thinking it was only my sensitive side reacting and not God speaking.  The longer I sat there the stronger the feeling to offer some kind of assistance caused my heart to pound hard in my chest.  But what would I say?  What would people think?  How would the person receive me?  Would it embarrass him?  All these questions and more filled my mind.

The moment I allowed apprehension to win and I decided not to respond to the call of God; another Believer arose, went over to the man, and began to minister God’s comforting words.  That hurting soul gave his heart to the Lord that evening and received Jesus as his Savior, because someone listened to God and obeyed His voice.

I missed out on a tremendous opportunity to introduce that man to the Prince of Peace, Jesus.  I was extremely happy for him, but felt miserable inside, because I failed to act upon the call.  God was giving me a chance to not only help someone in their time of need, it would have strengthened my relationship with Him.  My faith and spiritual awareness of the power of God working in me would have been greatly fortified had I yielded to what I was feeling.

It was a lesson that I have never forgotten.  I learned that when God wants something done, He uses willing souls to accomplish His work of grace.  Those that balk when invited to do His bidding will certainly have regrets later. 

When God-given emotions move within us to be His voice and we suppress it for whatever reason, and God chooses someone else to do the work, tears of regret will not bring back missed opportunities.  God’s program will continue with or without us.  But we can learn by our mistakes and do better the next time the Lord calls us to stand in the gap where we are needed—and He will.

It was a valuable lesson early on in my Christian walk.  I try to listen for His voice and act accordingly whenever He speaks.  I learned that most people respond in positive ways when kindness is expressed to them.  Few individuals reject a smile, words of encouragement, or someone taking the time to listen to their woes.

No doubt, there are those that will decline and rebuff an outstretched hand or kind words.  It has happened to me on occasion.  I had to realize it was their choice; I did my part in reaching out.  I believe that God will continue to strive with them through the efforts of other Christians and circumstances that will bring that soul to Christ. 

I have learned that when I look for opportunities to be God’s hand extended to hurting, oppressed people, or to someone that just needs recognition of some kind, God places me exactly where I can do the most good.  When I share about God’s goodness, I walk away encouraged in my spirit, because it is more blessed to give than to receive.  Try it, you will find it to be true.  You will feel the joy of giving.

(Proverbs 25:11), “A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.”

A word of thanks or a token of appreciation given by slipping a few dollars to a cook at a fast foods restaurant, dishwasher, or the one cleaning tables and sweeping floors, always brings a smile to their face.  You acknowledged, with gratitude, their hard work.  Just showing others that you recognize their efforts is God’s voice and His hands extended.  A cup of cold water, as it were.

God sent His Son to show love, while ministering to people’s needs.  He died on a cross for the sins of mankind, because of love.  It is up to every Believer to spread this good news to those that are bound by sin; to tell them that they can be set free from bondage through Jesus Christ the Lord.

The responsibility associated with the gathering of lost souls, pointing them to Jesus, is a task that brings great rewards.  This process may come in stages before a person gives their heart to God.  It is like sowing seeds in a field.  Certain workers till the ground in preparation for the seeds; others sow the seeds; and there are those that water the seeds.  Finally the reaping of the harvest takes place, while everyone that took part rejoices.

We should not become discouraged if someone rejects our efforts to share the plan of salvation.  It is God that gently brings the increase and draws non-Christians to Him.  He is patient and knows each person’s need and how to meet their need. 

God has everything in control, but He has commissioned Believers to reach out to those that do not know Him.  It takes godly people working together and doing their part, while leaving it up to God to do the rest—like workers in the field.

This past Sunday morning I met a gentleman and his wife that were sitting in front of me before church service began.  Toward the last of the service, that same familiar voice began speaking to my heart.  I sensed that I needed to give the man one of my business-sized cards that has my blog website and other information on it.

Again, the conflict in my mind ensued—what should I do?  I knew if he visited my website he would be encouraged with God’s Word and my writings of hope.  I felt he needed something from the Lord.

At the end of the service I told him how nice it was to meet him and handed him the card, saying, “I want you to go to my blog and read it.”  He thanked me and said that he would.  Whether he does or doesn’t is up to him.  I did my part.

When we question, “What should I do,” it is better to be right in the eyes of God than to sit back and allow someone else to take part in the process of soul winning or being God’s hand outstretched.

(James 4:17), “Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin.”

No doubt there was a reason I gave him the card.  I just feel good that I did what I felt was needed at the time, whether the reason is ever revealed to me or not.  It is our reasonable service to be used of God.

(Romans 12:1), “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.”

God will never ask us to do something that we are unable to do or that He has not prepared us for.  He will go before us and fight the battles.  We need not fear.

(Philippians 4:13), “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Written by,

Papa Boyd

Let Faith Arise

The title of this writing expresses the essence of my thoughts for today.  Sadly, it is not too often that a remarkable awareness like the following experience takes place, but when situations or stimulating developments awaken the grey matter between my ears, the intensity to share it with others heightens to the point of joyful excitement .

First off, God wants and expects His children to exercise faith in everyday living.  By doing so, it keeps the vertical relationship with Him fresh, open and alive so that the horizontal plane with others can be more affective when sharing the goodness of Christ.  Introducing Jesus to hurting people that do not know Him as their Lord and Savior is the highlight of God’s commission to Believers. 

Faith and works go hand in hand.  Without it, it is like a missing heart with no place for blood to go.  Faith is at the heart of believing, and believing is faith unleashed and unfettered. Without faith it is impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6) and to do the work that is expressly needed to be accomplished.  Rubbing shoulders with those around us is a sure way to distribute the good news that God loves them with a passionate, everlasting love.

I bought an eight inch round mirror for my wife this Christmas that magnifies 10x on one side and has a standard, reflective mirror on the other.  It was made to hang on a wall and is equipped with a three position switch that, when turned, provides variable intensities of light on both mirrors.  I mounted the unit on the wall next to one of the vanity sinks in our dressing room.

Previewing the mirror before installing, I saw two, very tiny plastic washers, clear in nature that went under two decorative, securing nuts that held the mirror’s arm to the bracket assembly that I attached to the sheetrock.

Having finished the preparatory work on the base, the only thing left to do was attach the movable arm of the mirror to the base with the two washers and decorative nuts—but where were the washers?  They were there a moment ago, but now they’re gone.

The washers were included to prevent scratching the chrome finish on the housing assembly as the nuts were being tightened to the two protruding screws of the base assembly.

I looked and I looked feverishly for the two, 3/8 inch diameter washers at nausea; praying to God for His help in finding them.  I even got my high powered flashlight to assist in the search.  They had to be there, but where?  I knew that God would come through for me and I’d see them at any moment.

Perhaps it was a test of my patience.  Was I going to have to install the mirror without the washers and scratch the finish on the chrome?  No, I felt strongly that God was going to help me find them; I just hadn’t seen them as yet.  I patiently continued the search.

Several minutes later the washers were still not found, but I did not give up hope.  Time was wasting, because I wanted to surprise my wife by having the installation completed by the time she returned from shopping.

I went to the kitchen for a glass of ice water, believing God would reveal where those rascals were.  I cannot explain how deeply the conviction was that I would soon find them.

I had looked in the vanity drawers, atop the vanity, on the little throw rug in front of the toe-kick of the vanity, and inside the bowls of each sink.  Upon my return from the kitchen, something on the rug reflected the ceiling light into my eyes.  Yes, it was one of the washers.  What were the odds that it would fall perfectly to reflect the light?  It was God!

I was happy to say the least, but deep inside, I somehow knew it would happen.  I continued to believe God for the other washer when something told me to look in the top drawer one more time.  I had looked twice already.  There it was!  Amazing!  How did I not see it before?

My simple faith held onto the notion that even though I could not see the washers, I believed I would.  This is a small example how faith works.  This extraordinary and wonderful victory of finding the washers touched my heart, which caused me to consider the importance of faith when praying.

I realized that when I pray for something, I should believe with everything in me that God not only hears my prayers, but He desires to bring them to fruition.  I recognized the significance of believing with the same fervency of faith that I had when looking for the washers, knowing that nothing is impossible with God.

Even though I could not see that which I was looking for, the hope of finding the washers was such that I believed God to reveal them.  This is faith, not a boatload of faith, but just enough faith to get the job done.  That’s all we need.  God will do the rest.  We would be amazed at the prayers answered if we trusted God, totally.

(Hebrews 11:1), “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”

A man was testing his own level of faith one evening when he looked out the bedroom window and demanded the mountain near his home to be cast into the sea.  He arose the next morning, looked out the window and saw the mountain in the same place it was the night before.  Unenthusiastically, he said, “Just as I expected.”

When we pray, we must pray expecting an answer, not like the man in the story.

(James 1:6-8), “But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind.”  vs.7 “For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord;” vs.8 “he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.”

We need to encourage ourselves to believe that the Lord cares about the smallest things in our life—even two, tiny washers.  Jesus wants us to ask God, in faith believing, for the things we have need of.

(John 14:13-14), “And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son”  vs.14 “If you ask anything in My name, I will do it.”

When we let faith arise, we will be amazed at the closeness we feel to our heavenly Father.  We will experience His love as He pours blessing after blessing into our heart.  He indeed wants us to experience an abundant life through His Son, Jesus.  This comes as we walk by faith.

(John 7:38), “He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.”

(Luke 11:9-13), “So I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.”  vs.10 “For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.”  vs.11 “If a son asks for bread from any father among  you, will he give him a stone?  Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent instead of a fish?  vs.12 “Or if he asks for an egg, will he offer him a scorpion?”  vs.13 “If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!” 

Written by,

Papa Boyd 

Self Assessment

On occasion, I take my wife to a nearby facility where she works out to stay healthy.  I don’t mind waiting in the car, because it gives me time to put a few thoughts on paper that I can share with you and others. 

It is always exciting to explore my mind to see what God is saying.  I never know what I am going to write about until the moment I allow my consciousness to discover new, perspective insight.  It is nice to relax and reflect upon God and His goodness in the quietness of thoughts without the intrusion of hustle and bustle living.

I parked in front of a tutoring center and spotted a sign in the window, “Free Diagnostic Assessment.”  I immediately began to assess my relationship with God and concluded that it could be better, comparing my current level of enthusiasm to when I first became a Christian. 

I considered and remembered well the affection I had for God and hurting people after having a born-again experience.  I would often say aloud, “You and Me, right God,” while looking upward, and in my heart I would sense the words, “That’s right son, you and Me.”

I love God and have made up my mind to serve Him, but like other Christians that have been in the way for any length of time, it is easy to get caught up in hobbies and non-essential activities that waste time.  It’s like wasting precious water washing down a driveway or sidewalk.  Once it runs to the street it’s impossible to regain the loss.

Not using time wisely also reminds me of flushing an outdated, 5 gallon toilet; wasting water with each flush rather than switching to an improved, low flow, 1.5 gallon toilet. 

Not wasting natural resources, like water, is important to our physical wellbeing just as spiritual health is derived from godly living and not wasting time. 

Careless use of water is reflected in the bill that a person must pay each month for unrestrained usage.  Likewise, when we waste time with trivial, unimportant activities rather than being involved with the things of God, this casual disregard is revealed in one’s behavior, the manner in which they treat others, and a dilatory attitude relative to God’s work. 

If a person neglects spending time in God’s Word or praying, tiredness of motivation sets in.  It is not long before a lax, non-involved attitude develops.  The passion they once had when they first met the Lord begins to wean.  But meditating on God’s grace and mercy, while helping others, keep our spirit fresh and alive.

Wasting time is like a person that drives erratically on the freeway.   “Peddle to the metal” was a term used by teenagers in my youth.  Flooring the accelerator peddle to get around one more car is silly and childish, not only for safety reasons, but wasting gas is foolish with the high cost of fuel these days.

Humanity is given a limited amount of time to develop good habits and accomplish something for the kingdom of God.  My desire is to hear the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant,” when I enter heaven.

The aging process is somewhat humorous if you think about it.  An adolescent can hardly wait until adulthood, which seems afar off on the horizon to them.  I know this, because I thought it would never arrive when I was a lad.  Now that it has, I cannot believe how quickly my life has zipped by when reflecting on past experiences.

I can remember my dad saying, “It seems the older I get the faster the years go.”  How true it is.  When I assess earlier periods of involvement in matters relating to Christ, I am reminded of the importance of being connected with other Christians of like faith, and maintaining a shinning testimony so that those looking for peace and contentment can see the Lord in my words and deeds.

Witnessing to those that need the Lord, involvement in church activities and outreaches, raising children in a godly environment, treating a spouse with love and respect, doing unto others as we expect to be treated, and loving God with all our heart are just a few examples that take place through the born-again experience.  I want others to possess the same joy I have.  Jesus Christ is the answer.

Age is just a number.  No matter how old a person is does not negate the need to assess their relationship with God the Father.  Everything else finds its rightful place when God is placed before all things.  He should be first on the list of desires and relationships.

(Matthew 6:33), “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”

The definition of assessment is: “the evaluation or estimation of the nature, quality, or ability of someone or something”

Looking at my reflection in a mirror and asking, “How do I stack up,” opens my eyes as to what is needed to draw closer to God.  A willingness to change habits and routines opens a channel, a strait that allows God to help me grow in Him. 

When a person truly wants God’s will in their life, things have a way of working out for them.  God opens doors that no one can shut, and closes doors that cannot be opened.  Trusting in the Lord brings calmness and peace to one’s soul.

My father-in-law believed that we are in God’s will when we accept Jesus as Lord, and then finding direction comes through prayer.  Prayer opens the doors of every kind of opportunity, which is revealed as we seek God’s will for our life.  If a door closes, God opens another one more suitable to meet the need.

Are you looking for an open door to step through?  Seek God’s face with this prayer, “Not my will Lord, but Your will be done.”  You will be overjoyed at what God does. 

If you are unhappy with your present status at work, for example, the Lord can give you contentment where you are, or He may choose to open doors that no man or woman can close, if another job is your aspiration.  The solution is this; make sure it is God’s will that you step through the door, because His perfect will is what we should be asking for, not our own.

God is able to change situations and/or people at your present employment to bring harmony and contentment in the workplace if that is what’s needed.  Opening our hands and allowing God the Father to work out the problem, rather than leaning upon our own understanding of things, brings resolutions.

God desires the very best for His children and will act accordingly if we don’t get ahead of Him.  His timing is perfect in all things.  The sooner a person realizes this, less stress is manifested.  There is rest in the Lord when we learn not to get ahead of His plan for our life.

Things may not always be as bad as we assess them to be.  I am thankful that God is still on the throne, because I was having problems with a couple of other employees, while working at this certain firm.  They were unbearable to work with.  I remember complaining to my dad about the situation, and I recall his exact words… “Perhaps it’s you.”

I didn’t want to hear this, but nevertheless, I did a self-assessment and found that he was right.  My personality was flawed.  I was strong willed and headstrong—my way or the highway.

Being a new Christian, I still had some rough edges that the Holy Spirit was helping me overcome.  With His intervention and prayer, I did some soul searching and changed my attitude.  Things leveled out at work and happiness prevailed.  It was a great learning experience how to trust God. 

(Jeremiah 29:11-13), “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.”  vs.12 “Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you.”  vs.13 “And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.”

Written by,

Papa Boyd

God's Blessings Are Many

I know individuals that it seems every time they turn around something good happens to them.  And if they run into conflict or misfortune of any kind, good has a way of manifesting itself in their behalf through the ordeal.  These people are Christians. 

I believe, strongly, that God can and will bring positive blessings to Believers, even in the midst of confusion and strife as they stand true to Him.  No doubt they look for sunbeams of hope in the midst of cloudy, dark situations, because of the trust they have in Father God.

All blessings come from above in different forms and a variety of venues… a deal somewhere; a check in the mail you forgot about in time to pay a bill; spiritual awareness of God’s presence, etc. etc.  The list goes on and on.  Whatever the need is, God supplies the answer.

(James 1:17), “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.”

God desires the best things in life for His children, yet it seems that the Bible Scripture (Matthew 5:45) is somewhat of a paradox.  “…for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.”  

I believe God is saying that while Christians are on earth, they will face trials and tribulations in like manner as those that are unsaved.  The recognizable difference is that children of God have the Lord to see them through difficult times. 

The way in which a person handles each trial shows the substance within them and who they are in Christ.  Sometimes the intensity of trouble is almost unbearable, and in a moment of panic, the one going through the ordeal may question, “Where is God?” but the Lord in His infinite love quickly shows His passion.  The Holy Spirit comforts the troubled soul, speaking peace, like nothing or no-one else can.

(Philippians 4:6-7) “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God” vs.7 “and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

I am convinced that the Holy Spirit leads and guides a person into all truth.  I am writing these words of encouragement to influence your thinking to accept as true that the Lord sticks closer than a brother.  Nothing comes our way without His knowledge and approval.  God has the final say in all things. 

We must believe that there is a purpose for the challenge at hand and hold onto the hope that God has everything under control, and trust His reason for allowing it to come our way.  We may not totally understand why things go the way they do, but sometime in the future the reason will probably be revealed.  If not, that’s okay, because we walk by faith and trust that God’s providence is at work.  His sovereignty reigns supreme.  In Him there is all power.

The Bible says that God will never leave nor forsake us.  This promise, alone, is certainly a blessing that we can hold onto in times that we want to question, “Why?” 

I am persuaded, when looking back at past circumstances, that some of the happenings were to educate me on how to depend on the Lord in all things.  State of affairs has a way of teaching a person to not lean upon their own understanding, but to trust in God’s perfect will for their life. 

I believe that God, through trials, is able to caution us to avoid becoming involved in matters not pleasing to Him.  The Holy Spirit’s influence is helpful in making us aware of our surroundings and situations that we need to rebuff.  A person need not partake of these things to be happy.  One on one experiences with the Holy Spirit reveal that the blessings of God are many.  They are given to those that serve Him and Him alone.  The key is to not have any other gods before God Almighty; mammon and power included. 

Growing in God’s grace is a process of learning.  It is putting off the old nature to take on the wholesomeness of Jesus.  When we do this, God’s blessings follow, because He wants us to prosper and experience an abundant life through His Son. 

Jesus Christ is not an ogre that desires to devour us, nor does He take pleasure in times that He needs to chasten us.  When Christians experience God’s correction, this is a good sign, though grievous in the moment.  God chastens those He loves; without it, we are not a son or daughter of His.

When Believers stumble and fall, because of pour judgment and disobeying God’s instructions, He is always there to lift us up and say once again that we can make it.  He is our Heavenly Father and loves us dearly.

When we repent of our foolhardiness, God is faithful to forgive our trespasses and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.  The abundant life and God’s many blessings continue to flow upon those that accept Jesus as Lord and Savior.

The frame encapsulating my car’s license plate says this: “Christians Are Not Perfect Just Forgiven.”  Because of God’s forgiveness we need not wallow in past, wrong doings, because God throws our sins into the sea of His forgetfulness when we ask Him to forgive us.  God knows that sooner or later we will learn by our mistakes, thus growing in grace and maturing spiritually.

God is perfecting Christians through the workings of the Holy Spirit.  He gives us strength that is not our own to follow Christ Jesus with affection and loyalty.  As we do this, we put on His attributes, while God’s many blessings continue to flood our soul.  Nothing can separate us from the love of God.

Written by,

Papa Boyd

Nothing but the Truth

I am sure you’ve heard the phrase, “Honesty is the best policy.”  There has never been a truer statement made, in my opinion.

My dad always said, “A man’s name goes before him.”  He was referring to the integrity a person shows through their lifestyle and how people perceive them.  Word and deed speak loudly the character of that individual.

If they are honest in their dealings with others, people will speak well of them, whereas, if dishonesty follows that person and raises its ugly head in any way, a negative reputation precedes them.  Non-constructive rhetoric is usually herald concerning that person.

(Matthew 5:37), “But let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No.’  For whatever is more than these is from the evil one.”

It might seem to the prevaricator, those that speak or act in an evasive way, that their lies are getting them something in the moment, but sooner or later their transgressions catch up to them, thus, their name going before them.

When people are honest in every area of living and treat others as they themselves expect to be treated, life goes well for them.  Telling the truth and nothing but the truth is the only way to live a happy, contented existence.

If anyone is faced with a tempting moment to seal a deal with little, white lies by ignoring truth, and they yield to this temptation to not be completely honesty, this willful act will prove to be their undoing; unprofitable in the long run.  When cashing the check received from the transaction, there will be a nagging feeling of shame, because truth was ignored.  This is the Holy Spirit speaking. 

Pulling the wool over someone’s eyes, as the saying goes, will only result in feelings of guilt and remorse.  Peace of mind departs, because God expects nothing but the truth even when it seems that a deal will be lost.  An honest person is miles ahead when their integrity is not diminished.  God will prosper and reward them openly, because of their truthfulness.  The Lord is definitely the One we want to please.

When people neglect God’s Commandments, such as, “Thou shall not steal” and they persist with dishonest thinking and/or behavior, it ties the hands of God, which prevents Him from opening up the floodgates of heaven to pour out blessings that cannot be contained. 

How can God bless someone with peace of mind if they are always misrepresenting truth?  He expects nothing but the truth.  Total honesty is our reasonable service when it comes to serving Him.

(Romans 12:1), “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.”

When we practice holiness as the above scripture states, we become more like Christ, and His attributes become our character.  We fail within our own ability to come up to the mark of excellence, but the Holy Spirit enables us to overcome temptation.  He gives us strength to rise above wrong dealings of any type.  When we do this, things just have a way of working out.  God rewards honest living.

For example, when a person works hard each week at their place of employment, they never feel the need to back up to their payroll check on payday, because they are not ashamed of their work performance that week.  They can look their boss straight in the eyes when he hands them the check, because they know they did their level best.

A general contractor I once worked for told me that he always hired Christians, because they never stole from him and always put in a good day’s work.  I thought this was very interesting and quite insightful.  It truly said something meaningful to me.  

Dedication to honesty comes under the heading, “Nothing but the Truth.”  Work performance and honesty go hand in hand.

In a court of law, the defendant, plaintiff, and witnesses, if any, are sworn in with this question, “Do you solemnly swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth so help you God?”  The response expected is, “I do.”

It is most definitely in a person’s best interest to tell the truth rather than being found in contempt of court for lying on the stand.  Spending time in jail or paying a fine is not a good way to start the day.

Honesty is indeed the best policy both morally and spiritually.  Those that practice it will prosper in countless ways.  But the ultimate penalty for disregarding the 10 Commandments is being separated from God when life on earth is over.  Lying is no exception and not a small thing to God.  Sin is sin.

(Revelation 21:8), “But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.”

There is hope for liars.  They need not fear (Revelation 21:8), because God gave His Son, Jesus, to die on a cross for the sins of mankind.  He paid the full price for our redemption.  Salvation is in Jesus Christ. 

(1 John 1:9), “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

(John 14:6), “Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life.  No one comes to the Father except through Me.’”

When God looks at Christians, He sees them through the blood that Jesus shed for their salvation.  Because of this amazing love for us, those that accept Him as Lord shall be saved.  We need not worry where our soul spends eternity.  Heaven will be our home.

(John 4:24), “God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.”

Hell is for those that refuse God’s answer for their sins.  As for me, I choose Jesus—nothing but the Truth.

Written by,

Papa Boyd 

Never Give Up

It stands to reason, figuratively speaking, that when Christians slip and sin, some feel compelled to crawl into a hole-of-defeat and say to themselves, “I can’t do it.”  In their thinking they believe that God must be disappointed with them for their disobedience and will cast them aside, because of it.

Rather than asking forgiveness immediately, some individuals wallow in self-condemnation, thinking, “What’s the use.” They hide from God just as Adam and Eve did in the Garden of Eden after they disobeyed God’s command to not eat of the fruit produced by the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil.

The word “reason” in the above, first sentence is subjective.  When a person tries to reason why they sin or make excuses for sinning as Adam did in Genesis 3:12, and Eve in Genesis 3:13, it is possible for them to fall deeper into a state of complacency and compromise. 

Over thinking the sin and trying to hide from God, while listening to the wrong voice lie to them, allows deception to take root from Satan who is the father of lies.  They then suppose their sin has separated them even farther from God’s presence.

Some people envision God to be an ogre who is ready to disown them at the drop of a hat, or that He is waiting to pronounce judgment, because of their failure to obey His commandments—a merciless God of rules and regulations.  I believe this to be far from the truth.  They have not yet grasped the true meaning of grace and mercy, and that God forgives sin when we ask Him to do so. 

I am not sure why this concept of God exists, though I had this mindset as a sinner going my own willful way.  Now, as a Christian, I am learning each day just how much God really loves and cares about me, personally.  I wasted many years being too proud and fearful to share my problems with God lest He require or demand something from me.  I kept Him at arm length.

I don’t regret a mile I’ve traveled with the Lord since my conversion.  He has given me peace and a hope that I never had before.  God keeps me safe and secure from all alarm much like a mother hen protects her little chicks under her wing.

God is not a vindictive, unreasonable Father; on the contrary, God is love in every sense of the word.  As a foolish, young man I didn’t understand nor did I grasp the depth of His love until I became a Believer.  Such joy and happiness He brought!

God does not want any of His creation to struggle and miss out on the abundant life that He provided through His Son Jesus.  The fact of the matter is this:  Jesus willingly gave his life on the cross for our sins so that we could be free from the condemnation of sin and have the hope of eternal life with Him in heaven.

(2 Peter 3:9), “The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.”

In that God gave His only begotten Son to die for you and me to save us from the bondage of sin, why then would He repel or discard us like unwanted refuse if we fall into temptation?  When we accept Jesus as Lord and Savior of our life, we become sons and daughters of Almighty God and joint-heirs with Jesus.  Heaven and all it has to offer is ours.  We need not fear separation from God as children of God.

(2 Timothy 1:12), “… for I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day.”

(Romans 8:38-39), “For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come,” Vs.39 “nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

If you have children, when was the last time you completely disowned and turned your back on your child when he or she failed to measure up to your expectations?  I think this would be a very unusual situation, because a parent’s love runs deep.  But God’s love runs even deeper; an infinite, immeasurable amount of love that supersedes the love we have for our own children.

(Mathew 7:9-11), “Or what man is there among you who, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone?”  Vs.10 “Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent?”  Vs.11 “If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!”

So “reason” does not enter into the picture when referring to whether or not God walks away from us when we fall on our face, because we sinned.  God is there to pick us up, dust us off, and exclaim, “You will do better next time!”

The Holy Spirit teaches us to lean on Him for strength and not give up.  We will learn by our mistakes not to do them anymore.  And if we fail again in the same area as before, God imparts mercy, while grace becomes reality rather than defeat and separation claiming another soul.  God’s great love enables us to succeed and rise above the temptation to sin.

My grandson’s little-league coach has a wonderful way of interacting with each player on the team.  He reminds me of how God encourages me to keep on keeping on when I have fallen short of the mark and want to hide from Him and give up.

When one of the boys strikes out and feels deflated; telling himself, “I can’t do it.” the coach is always there with words of encouragement to lift his spirits rather than words of harshness.  When a fielding error takes place and a player throws the ball to the wrong base, or fumbles a grounder that is hit to him, the coach, without fail, shouts, “You will do better next time. Trust me!”

God does exactly that.  He says, “Trust me.”  He knows we will improve, because He teaches us how to win and not throw in the towel of defeat.  God does not give up on us; let us not give up on ourselves.  We have everything to gain when we trust Him.  Stumbling persists when we lean unto our own understanding rather than trusting God to direct our path. 

Remember, a winner never quits and a quitter never wins.  God helps us to overcome our inadequacies and our lack of self-confidence when He speaks to us through His Word—(Philippians 4:13), “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

Though a few people in the stands sometimes express their displeasure when errors happen, the coaches’ voice becomes louder than the few so that the only voice a player hears is his…always speaking positive, heartening words that help negate insecurities, which tear down self confidence.  We must listen for God’s voice; not the thundering voices of insensitive people.  

I've watched the coach call for timeout and walk out to the pitcher’s mound when the pitcher was struggling.  Softly, in a calm voice, he talked to the player and helped him gather himself as he placed his hands on each side of the boy’s face saying, “You can do it.”  The coach then walked back to the dugout to show the boy that he had confidence in him no matter what.

God does this.  He encourages our heart when we focus on Him rather than the pressures.  The Lord helps us not to allow our weaknesses or the circumstances that life brings our way to defeat us.  He aids us in taking a deep breath to regain our composure to keep pitching for Jesus.  God has confidence that we will succeed.

The Holy Spirit, our coach, will always be there to assist through the difficult times and help us keep the faith.

(2 Timothy 4:7-8), “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”  Vs.8 “Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only, but also to all who have loved His appearing.”

Written by,

Papa Boyd

I Feel Alone

Have you ever thought, verbalized, or rehearsed the words in the title of this writing in your mind?  There is probably no feeling more personal, yet alarming to our existence than to sense the emotion of loneliness. 

Whether it was do to a divorce or separation from one’s spouse, the death of a friend or loved one, being incarcerated or in solitary confinement, or idiosyncrasies of personality inhibitions that make one self-conscious and unable to act in a relaxed and natural way around people, the underlying result is the same.  Solitude creeps in like an unwanted cold, bringing with it words like, “I feel lonely.”

Loneliness saddens the heart, especially when friends are far and in-between or there is no one around to feel comfortable sharing experiences with.  I am sure you have heard the phrase, “Alone-in-a-crowd.”  Though a person may be thronged on all sides at a gathering of people, for the most part, those around them are aware of personal miseries and shortcomings in their own world of woes; not theirs. 

No one seems to care anymore about the other person and what they are facing or going through, because they themselves have not found the true meaning of hope.  They are overwhelmed by their own problems rather than finding the problem solver to help them.  They are void of peace, which is essential in helping them face another day with positive thoughts rather than, “Oh me.” 

The human mind needs something or someone they can count on, someone that understands them and is willing to stick by them through thick and thin.  Perhaps the person feeling lonely may have issues with people, because they were left to weep alone, thus, causing them to isolate themselves from others for fear of being hurt again.

Protective walls are easily built, because of a preservation instinct, but they are harder to tear down even though mental and physical health is at stake.  If walls remain, this can affect a person’s spiritual health in harmful ways, whereas, the soul suffers. 

No one need dread another day of confusion and frustration when relief is just three words away.  They are not “I feel alone” which are words that amplify the problems; they are “God forgive me” which transcends the mind and soul to unexpected heights in Christ.  They found the answer they longed for—Jesus.

When a person asks God to forgive them of their sins and consciously makes Him the head of their household, what is gained is more than a friend or someone they can count on, Jesus, God’s Son, also becomes their Savior.  At that very instant, the Holy Spirit becomes their comforter.  Why?  They are a child of God Almighty who is now their Father.  He will never leave nor forsake them.

(Deuteronomy 31:6), “Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the Lord your God, He is the One who goes with you.  He will not leave you nor forsake you.”

The Lord is the answer for everyday victories and the peace of mind that we so desperately seek.  Jesus is the Prince of Peace.  No longer will the Believer feel alone or dread what another day may bring.  Peace is theirs, because they have a new sense of belonging and a hope not experienced here-to-fore.  “I feel alone” is replaced with, “What a friend I have in Jesus.”

(Isaiah 9:6), “For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder.  And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”

Written by,

Papa Boyd