In Burning Quest - Part 14, depending on God throughout the ups and downs of life, was mentioned. Living the practical Holy Spirit-led life, it said, would help to alleviate the stresses and devastations of life's traumas and tragedies even if it didn't eradicate them.
This is, of course, easier said than done, but not impossible. As one trains and disciplines oneself to trust the Lord Jesus in ever increasing manner. You can do so by reading God's Word and gleaning comfort therefrom. Read; understand; and obey. Build faith. Trust. Depend.
Jesus said,...
"Come unto me all you who labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest (Matthew 11:28 KJV).
Peter informs us in 1 Peter 5:7-8 NIV...
"Cast all your anxieties upon Him because He cares for you."
When we release our worries and anxieties into His hands, we will find rest in our spirit, soul and body. It doesn't necessarily cause the situation to dissolve but gives the strength and fortitude to continue on.
Psalm 23:4 ESV tells us we are not alone...
"Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff they comfort me."
David of the Old Testament took great comfort in such realization. He experienced God's presence with him, firsthand. So can we.
Let such thoughts bring peace to your hearts and minds in dependence upon God.
The well-sung song, What a Friend We have in Jesus has stood the test of time and brought solace to more than one troubled soul. The writer, Joseph Scriven, knew what he was talking about too. He knew the habit of "taking it to the Lord in prayer" brought peace and tranquility. He knew trusting in God-the Everlasting Father- brought, and still brings, great calm.
The constancy of such a habit will develop sustainability and perseverance and moulding of character that is of great value to navigate one through "the valley".
Dr. K. Sri Dhammanada in his book What Buddhists Believe feels that if folks would "practice" The Middle Path way of life, that their minds could overcome the need of
"sleeping pills, tranquilizers, admission to mental hospitals and refuse suicide rates, etc" (page 175).
Here are two options: one is dependence on the living God, His living Word and Holy Spirit in a personal relationship; and the second is depending on one's own mind's ability to overcome by living according to the set list of the Eight-Fold Path to Enlightenment as suggested by Gautama Buddha.
I'm not saying never to use the help of a doctor and/or medication, they do have their place. Get the extra help when you need it. However when our minds are staid upon Christ, the Everlasting Father, there will be greater balance of mind and less need for the man-made prescriptions. I encourage you to go to Him.
Isaiah 26:3-4 ESV reads...
"You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in You. Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD GOD is an everlasting rock."
Joyce Meyer* wrote a book entitled Battlefield of the Mind. That title says so much! On the one hand we may depend upon artifice yet the Holy Spirit indwelling the follower of Jesus Christ dons the armor of God and prays in dependence upon God, casting their anxieties upon Him, their Heavenly Father, and "stands" (Ephesians 6:10-18).
On the other hand there's temptation to think God is not good, that God has abandoned me. There must be no God. I'll rely on my own resources, or not...end it all...
You may often feel like a yo-yo but when you are down, keep looking up. Look up to Jesus and depend upon Him; He loves and cares for you. Take His hand He holds it out to you.
"When my soul was embittered, when I was pricked in heart, I was brutish and ignorant; I was like a beast toward You. Nevertheless, I am continually with You; You hold my right hand. You guide me with Your counsel, and afterward You will receive me to glory. Whom have I in heaven but You?" (Psalm 73:21-25 ESV).
Child of God depend upon your Father God making your relationship with Him your steadfast way of life.
~ERC April 2018~
NB*This author has many good things to say however I do not agree with all she says.
No comments:
Post a Comment