WATCHWORD:
I lift my eyes to the mountains where does my help come from? The help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth. Psalm 121:1-2
Come to me, or you who are weary and burdened, then I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28.
Have I not commanded you, be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the lord your god will be with you wherever you go Joshua 1:9
Meditation:
Get Back to Work
In my current book project, there is a scene where Stacy, one of the main characters, has has been shaken when her husband asked for a divorce and left her. She is surrounded by many sympathetic friends, but one in particular touches her real strength. She and my main characrter, Ben, are tdalking about Ben’s dad who died a few years ago. She tell him, “When I was going through that difficult time, your Dad was a constant support, but never mentioned the word ‘sorry’. He just picked me up, brushed me off, and told me, in no uncertain terms, ‘get back to work!’ He knew that I love my work, and this place, and how it makes me feel, like I was a person of value”.
I wonder if God is telling us the same thing when he says to us ‘Come, follow me’. More often than not, there are mornings when I look forward to meeting with my Lord, because I know how that time with Him makes me feel ‘like I was a person of value’. More than that, I am reassured and strengthened in my faith and conviction that nothing can truly darken my life as long as I’m holding on to His right hand. Have you ever had that feeling? Those times when we simply know that God is in charge, and He loves us and I have no cause to worry.
My experience has been that the more time I spend with the Lord, reading devotionals, letting the meaning of scripture soak in, and just plain talking to the Lord, which I consider prayers, seems to wash me clean. Does that make sense? It has taken me a while to get there, but that time with God is of highest priority.
I think about Joshua, suddenly thrust into the role of replacing Moses, and leading the Israelites across the Jordan and into the promised land. Did he feel he was not quite up for the job? Yet, he was God’s choice and the Lord encouraged him to be strong and courageous, and to get to work.
Regardless of where we live, we are challenged in our belief as Joshua was, to overcome the obstacle in front of us, the river we must cross, the mountain there before us, whatever the crisis is in our lives. Maybe it’s time for us to get back to work as well, and follow our Lord and savior in all that we do, regardless what darkness stands before us. It’s easy to say be ‘strong and courageous’, but not quite as easy to do until we have no doubt that God is on our side, walking with us, holding on to our hand. May it be so with you.
Closing Prayer:
Dear Lord, In the midst of life’s struggles, my heart is often restless and anxious. Today, I ask for Your peace to calm my fears and quiet my mind. Help me to let go of my worries and trust that You are in control, even when everything feels uncertain.
Lord, Your peace surpasses all understanding, and I long to feel it in the depths of my soul. Guide me in surrendering my struggles to You, knowing that You care for me and will never leave me. Help me to remember that peace is not the absence of difficulties, but the assurance that You are with me through every trial.
Let Your peace fill my heart, even when the storm rages around me. Remind me that You are my anchor, and I can find rest in Your presence. Teach me to keep my eyes fixed on You, rather than on my struggles, trusting that You will bring me through. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
