Verse of the Day: 1 Samuel 11:4, Then the messengers came to Gibeah of Saul and spoke these words in the hearing of the people, and all the people lifted up their voices and wept.
What we see in this verse is the product of a broken relationship with God. This is the general state of mind and condition of the lost. Sadly, it is also what we see with Christians when we allow our relationship with the Lord to deteriorate. Our lack of prayer, study of God’s Word, and overall lack of living by faith, will lead us to those break downs we have when difficult times come upon us. We discussed previously how Israel’s despair drove them to seek a solution that did not include God. Here we see the immediate stress and anxiety that they experienced, that drove them to tears. How often have we found ourselves in situations that just seemed hopeless? How often have we reacted as if God could not handle our particular situation, or reacted as if He was not interested in our circumstances? I am sure many of us would not readily admit it. Well…let us be honest. I know that there have been moments when I have needed reminders that God does care, and that there really is no need to panic or feel overwhelmed to the point being completely distressed. Quite honestly, those moment occurred mostly during times when I neglected my relationship with the Lord. On the contrary, whenever I am diligent to be in prayer, reading and studying my Bible, and doing my best to be a doer and not just a hearer (James 1:22-25), I will immediately be reminded by the Spirit that I can cast my cares upon Him, because He cares for me (1 Peter 5:7). Philippians 4:6-7 reminds us, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your request be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” The fact of the matter is that we stress out over circumstances far more then we need to. We have a God who promised never to leave us or forsake us. Hebrews 13:5-6 promises, “Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’ 6 So we may boldly say: ‘The LORD is my Helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?’” Jesus promised in John 14:27, “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.” Proverbs 29:25 reminds us, “The fear of man brings a snare, but he who trusts in the LORD will be exalted.” The bottom line is that regardless of the circumstances or the scenario, if we stay close to the Lord, trust Him, and continue to live by faith, we have nothing to fear, as far as man is concerned. Israel’s lack of relationship with the LORD sent them into a tailspin of panic and distress. So it is with us when we neglect our relationship with the Lord. It will not take much to launch us into a pit of emotional darkness when we fail to recognize and acknowledge God for who He is in our lives. If we fail to seek after Him as we should, the smallest of trials will seem bigger than they are. Our reaction may even give the impression to those who are observing our lives, that God is not big enough or powerful enough to handle our small problems or deliver us from those who seek our hurt. Let us not give the world that impression. Instead, let us give the right impression by trusting God in such a way that the world marvels at how powerful our God really is and how strong our faith is because we are trusting in such a powerful God.
Today, God extends an invitation to you to accept His gift of salvation (Rom 6:23). Will you accept it? Anyone who calls on Jesus, by faith, in repentance, confessing your sins, will receive eternal life. Do not put off calling on Him, and receive Him and His gift of salvation today (Rom 10:13).
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