Upholding Others (Psalm 54:4)

Have you ever been so tired that you just couldn’t stand? If there wasn’t a chair available, you did the next best thing: you leaned against something to give you the support you needed. If by some chance you saw somebody in this type of a condition, you probably would have helped them along by holding them up.

Did you ever think of all the people who struggle so much with life that they just can’t stand any longer? All of life‘s hurts, struggles, disappointments—and for some trauma—continue to bear down upon a person‘s heart. Some choose to end their lives as a way of escape. Others successfully find the help and support they need.

Behold, God is mine helper: the Lord is with them that uphold my soul. (Psalm 54:4)

The support and help these people need are other people. They need the strength that others have to be shared with them and when this happens, their inner being or soul gains strength. Your actions of love—whether they are words spoken or written—bring strength to those who cannot stand alone. Any act of kindness can help those who are crumbling under their life‘s condition. You may not be able to do a thing about their circumstances, but you can be an encourager.

As you go to work, social events and church, look for the people that God brings to you for encouragement and share your strength with them.

Did God Forget Me? (Psalm 9:12)

When people forget about you and your needs, it is a hurtful experience. It conveys the absence of love and concern. There are times in our lives when we face trials and difficulties and it appears as if God has forgotten us. We pray and ask for deliverance, but nothing happens. Has God forgotten us?

...he forgetteth not the cry of the humble. (Psalm 9:12)

God has not forgotten you. His love and concern has not been set aside and your life and its concerns have not been mislaid or lost. God has heard your cry, he knows the problems that you face and the heaviness in your heart that you carry because of it.

So, why doesn’t he answer? Why doesn’t he deliver? But he has and he will. God has heard your prayers and is providing the grace that you need. Many of learn the grace and truth go hand-in-hand. It seems that you cannot have the one without the other. God I want you exposed to truth concerning him and buy the truth he will be able to exercise grace in your life. Paul experienced this and wrote about it. God’s grace was sufficient for him because of his reliance on the truth of the power of Christ.

Until your actual deliverance comes, expose yourself to the word of God: read it, listen to the testimony of others, attend church services and listen to the preaching of God‘s word and God will begin working his grace in your life.

How long must you rely on this grace until the deliverance comes cannot be known. Remember as God works in the details of your life, he is also working in the lives of others. He wants to use grace in your life to shine as a light to the lost. He also may be working in the lives of others to bring them to repentance before he moves his hand in judgment or chastening. Until then, you must wait on him. Thankfully because of his grace, you will be able to endure.

...he forgetteth not the cry of the humble.

When You Just Can’t Go On

Sometime back when I worked in the steel mill, I was a part of a crew of men that worked on changing the motor of a large crane. The work took place over the 200 foot tempering furnace, which created an extremely hard-working environment. The crew worked in 15 minute intervals because of the fatigue caused by the heat and after short periods of rest, we were refreshed, renewed in strength and ready to go again.

Life can have a fatiguing effect on our hearts, just as the heat did on our bodies in the steel mill. The effect is not so much the heat of the day, but the wearing away upon the heart by life‘s struggles. Health, financial, domestic and work issues can bear upon the heart of man causing him to stoop and even fall. But God has promised to be with us, provide comfort to our hearts and the strength that we need.

He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength (Isaiah 40:29)

The power that we need is not in us nor does God couple his power with ours so that the total is enough for us to endure. We must remember that he is our strength. (Psalm 46:1; 81:1)

As long as we continue trying to rise above life and the burdens that it bears upon us, we will continually fall which leads to greater anguish in the soul. But when we rest in him, we gain his strength. Resting in him does not mean a time of leisurely repose for the recovering of strength, but more like how God rested from his work of creation on the seventh day. He was not tired from his labor: his resting was him ceasing from work.

When we rest in Jesus, we cease from our own work—whether physical or soulish— and allow him to do his work in and through us. We give up our strength so that we may gain his strength.

So instead of trying harder to overcome, give up and then look to God so that he may do in you what you are unable to do.

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. (Psalms 46:1)

Sing aloud unto God our strength: (Psalm 81:1)

Protect Yourself !!!

Protect yourself! You hear it all the time. Protect your identity, protect your vehicle, protect your home, get a flu shot. But do you hear anybody talk about protecting your heart from being caught in a snare?

Jesus spoke of this in Luke 17. He tells his disciples that offenses will come. When he spoke of offenses, he was referring to situations that would cause them to stumble or fall. Offenses are traps or snares that take our hearts captive. Much like the branch of a tree is pulled down and attached to a rope so that it can snare rabbits or other small animals.

Each of us could become ensnared and one major way for that to occur would be by refusing to forgive. Right after Jesus’ warning of offenses (snares), he talks about the brother sinning against them and then repenting: not only once, but even seven times in a day. His advice or counsel was for them to forgive each time.

Refusing to forgive can lead to anxiety, anger, depression and a host of physical elements. It would be wise for us to forgive and by doing so, we are not setting the offender free: we really are freeing ourselves.

Forgiveness is not explaining away the offense or allowing the person to be free from the consequences of their wrong. It is simply freeing them from owing you anything.

I remember a conference speaker referring to a situation when he was the principal of the school. He explained how a student brought a firearm to school. When he was caught, he was very sorry and in tears asked the principal for forgiveness. The principal told the boy that he forgave him, but that he could not speak for the law which he also offended. With that, he picked up the phone and called the police.  When we forgive, we are acting in the same manner: forgiving them of a debt owed to us, but still having them answer to God concerning their offense against him.

Outside of being persecuted for Christ, you are not required to be a doormat and allow people to wound and hurt you. But you are required to forgive. Remember, when you forgive, the person you freeing is yourself.

Is Depression a Sin?

Hurt and sorrow are not emotions that you can control and store away. When they are present, it is for reason. Some may suggest that you must turn yourself around or rise above the circumstances of your hurt and sorrow. This may seem correct and may be in part, but as a whole this thinking is in error.

God has given us a comforter and he is able to lift us out of hurt and sorrow or at the least give us joy intermingled with our hurt and sorrow. Sometimes our ability to rise out of sorrow or to experience his joy is limited by two conditions or circumstances. These conditions or circumstances are time and the ministering of truth by another person.

I have heard some say that we are to have joy in the midst of our circumstances. To this I somewhat agree, but recognize the joy may not be experienced right away, but only until after hurt and pain has followed its course.

To illustrate, imagine that a person is severely punched in the face leaving the victim wincing in extreme pain. Immediately afterwards, he was approached by a believer who points out the beautiful sunset and tries to get the victim to rejoice in the power and wonder of God. As you can guess, that most likely is not going to happen.

However after the initial pain begins to subside, the victim may be confused as to why he was rejected and wounded in such a manner and then as he looks to the sunset, lifts his heart to God and rejoices in the fact that he who created such beauty loves him and will always be with him. He eventually rejoiced in his hurt and sorrow, but only after hurt or sorrow followed its course. It is not that he would not rejoice in God, but that he could not at that time rejoice in God.

Another reason why some cannot rejoice in the midst of their hurt and sorrow is because the burden is greater than they can bear. The Lord has promised that he will not allow us to be tempted above that we are able to bear because at the same time he will provide a way of escape. For these individuals, the way of escape is truth.

However while being crushed under the heavy load of hurt and sorrow, the believer may not know the necessary truth needed to overcome or they may not recognize it. It is in these circumstances that other believers are instructed to bear the burden of others.  Just as the Holy Spirit (parakletos) comes along side us for comfort, we are to come alongside other believers and help them bear of their burden. We can do this with empathy, love, patience and the sharing of truth that will encourage their heart and point them to the Lord. It is not a truth of telling them what they need to do, but a truth of God upon which their faith can cling. When this occurs, the Holy Spirit can continue to do his work and lift her heart from hurt and sorrow. Rejoicing will follow, but it will only be able to occur as a result of at least one person ministering to another.

Remember how those at Thessalonica were sorrowing over loved ones who have passed away? Did not the apostle Paul come alongside the believers and comfort them with the truth that one day they would be reunited and be together with the Lord?  (1 Thessalonians 4:17-18)

 

Also, did not Paul recognize the man who was being swallowed up with excessive sorrow and experienced this because believers did not exercise the truth of forgiveness when he repented? (2 Corinthians 2:7)

 

Some may deem the person struggling in hurt and sorrow as being in sin and that their hurt and sorrow, which today we call depression is in fact sin. To say that the person struggling with deep hurt and sorrow is in sin could be a sin in itself.  Instead of trying to label and identify people, let us first pray to God and ask him to use us to bring truth to those who for the time being are struggling with hurt and sorrow so that their faith may cling to this truth and bring the comfort in the midst of their hurt and sorrow.

Being Thankful (Colossians 1:3-4)

Thanksgiving is an important aspect of everyone's life. If we stop for a moment and think, our hearts and minds will begin to touch upon those things for which we can give thanks.

The apostle, Paul, identified two things for which he gave thanks for the believers at Colosse: for their faith in Christ and their love towards the Saints. He wasn't listing things that he received or benefits that he would experience. Paul was thankful for what he saw God doing in their lives.

We give thanks to God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you, Since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus, and of the love which ye have to all the saints, (Colossians 1:3-4)

Stop and think for a minute. Each of the things that you give thanks, aren't they really the results of God working in your life. The promotion at work, you stopped and gave thanks to God. The child that was born, you gave thanks to God. The long sought after answer to prayer, you too gave thanks to God. For each situation where you saw God's hand moved, you stopped and give thanks.

Are there any situations in your life where God is not moving? If he is sovereign – and he is – he is working in every situation in your life: both the good and the bad. The death of a parent, the unexpected layoff at work, the trip to the emergency room are just examples of times when God was working when he didn't appear to be.

If we give thanks when we see God's hand working in our lives and God is working in everything for our good, then we should be giving thanks to God for everything. 

In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. (1 Thessalonians 5:18)

It is only when you see God working in everything that in everything, you will give thanks

Repentance Doesn't Make Everything Right (Matthew 27:3)

How many of us have done something wrong and afterwards greatly regretted it.  Sometimes what was done could be undone.  Actions were reversed, thoughts were changed or isolated acts which did not affect anyone were never committed again.  However that is not always the case.  There may be words that were said that cannot be taken back.  Actions committed by us may hurt people deeply and regardless of how much sorrow we have, the hurt cannot be removed.  Sadly to say, the latter is more often the situation.

Then Judas, which had betrayed him, when he saw that he was condemned, repented himself, and brought again the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders, (Matthew 27:3)

Such is the case with Judas.  He decided that he was no longer going to be a follower of Jesus and sought opportunity to betray him. So when the occasion arose, he turned Jesus over to the chief priests.  However after his trial and sentencing, Judas repented of his work against the innocent one, Jesus.  Regardless of his great sorrow and earnest desire to undo what he had done, he was helpless.

What brought about the repentance or change of heart?  We cannot be certain as to why his heart changed, but at least one option can be recognized.  What enabled Judas to be willing to betray the person by whom he saw many miracles performed?  In Luke 22:3, we see that Satan entered into Judas.  While under Satan's control, Judas performed actions that he would soon greatly regret.  After accomplishing what he wanted to do to Jesus, Satan no longer had any need for Judas.  So he departed from him.  It was then that the deceit which was upon Judas' heart left as well.  His eyes were open and he recognized the innocent one.  He repented for what he had done, but his repentance was too late.

Although it appears from scripture that a saved person cannot be possessed with an evil spirit, they can be oppressed by them.  Oppression occurs when evil spirits move against our hearts by waging a battle with our minds. (2 Corinthians 10:4-5)  They put thoughts into our minds in an attempt to turn us against God, his guidance and his word.  It is at these times that we think, speak or act in sinful ways that we later regret.  However as with Judas, our repentance may come too late.  We may have the greatest level of sorrow possible, but sorrow and repentance cannot undo what we have done.  Relationships may be destroyed, lives may be shattered and homes broken without any hope of restoration.

It is for these reasons that we must walk with God so that we may abide in him and not be uprooted by the oppressive onslaught of the enemy.  It isn't reading the Bible that we need, but instead getting something from God through his word.  It isn't praying a list that will keep us unmoved, but talking with God.  The battle rages daily.  Take heed because repentance may not make everything right.

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Sorrow Makes The Heart Better (Ecclesiastes 7:2-3)

The scriptures tell us that sorrow is better than laughter because by sorrow the heart is comparatively made better.  

It is better to go to the house of mourning, than to go to the house of feasting: for that is the end of all men; and the living will lay it to his heart.  Sorrow is better than laughter: for by the sadness of the countenance the heart is made better. (Ecclesiastes 7:2-3)

When Adam plunged mankind into his sinful state, man's heart became astray from God.  Although Jesus may have redeemed man from his penalty for sin, man's heart is still affected by it.  As man grows in grace and is progressively sanctified by the working of the Holy Spirit, his heart over comes sin's effect and is made better or more closely to how God intends for man to be.  It is through sorrow that man recognizes his weakness and need for God.  Although the sorrowful event may appear to present God as uncaring or devoid of love, it is really the opposite.  God wants our hearts in fellowship with him and for us to be conformed to the image of his son.  He accomplishes this work in the heart of man.  It is for our betterment that he allows these events to occur.

If sorrow is to make the heart better, we would be wise in helping people as they endure sorrow and experience the work that will change or make their heart better.  The Scriptures admonish us that if you have the opportunity to celebrate with people or mourn with others, you would be better to mourn with the mournful.  Consider that when celebrating with those feasting, there is no burden to bear, but those in mourning need help to bear their heavy burden.  As we help those who are hurting, it will be taken to heart because the heart was greatly relieved and touched.

Helping others through hurt does not mean that we need to take the hurt away.  That is impossible for us to do, but with empathy and compassion, we can carry the hurt with them.  While living our lives, we must strive to recognize and focus on the sorrowful needs of others.  It should be easy to find hurting people because it seems that in some way everybody is hurting.

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Deliver My Heart (2 Samuel 22:28-29)

Sometimes life is just depressing.  Like huge waves, the circumstances of life overwhelm and press upon the soul burying it in the waves of sorrow, sadness and dispair.  Is there hope for this type of depression?  In 2 Samuel 22:28-29, The Lord touches on just one aspect of this broad condition.

And the afflicted people thou wilt save: but thine eyes are upon the haughty, that thou mayest bring them down.  For thou art my lamp, O Lord: and the Lord will lighten my darkness (2 Samuel 22:28- 29).

One of the Biblical terms for depression is the word affliction.  The various words used for affliction convey the idea of being depressed, poor and crowded in.  In other words, the circumstances in life crowd a person's heart creating depression and a perceived inability to escape.  For this condition, The Lord declares that help will be found in his word.  By his word, he promises to save or as the word is defined: to be open, wide or free.  God's word promises to remove the constraints upon the heart that were caused by life's difficult circumstances.  He accomplishes this by bringing light into the darkness of the heart.  The light may bring guidance or comfort.  This light and wide open freedom in the heart comes from hope provided by his word.  Remember, hope is not something longed for that you wish would happen.  It is the expectancy in the heart that God will do what he has promised.

Elijah had hope when he said that it would not rain until he would speak it to happen.  Abram, even in his old age, hoped when he received the promise of a son through Sara.  David had hope after receiving the news of his newly born son's death.  Zacharias had hope after hearing that Elisabeth would bare him a son.  Hannah, Joseph in Egypt, the centurion and the woman with the issue of blood all had hope. And the list can go on.

As you struggle with the circumstances in life, look to God and his word.  From it, you will find the hope needed to deliver your heart from being crowded in.

For those who are chronically depressed, a network of support will be needed.  It will not be something that you can face or overcome alone.  Seek guidance from those who have been successful at aiding depressed individuals overcome.  Professional help may be needed and you will not be faithless in seeking their aid.  Faithless people either cease from striving to overcome or place their faith in sources other than God.  As these people guide you, look to God for strength as you take each step.  This is all that he expects from you.

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Why Must I Suffer (Philippians 1:29)

Why do I have to suffer?  If I am saved and a child of God, why does not God keep me safe from ill and harm?  It just does not make sense.  Cannot God receive great glory by keeping me from these evils?  Will not God's deliverance and a better life drawn people to him?  

For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake; (Philippians 1:29)

Do these questions sound familiar?  Have you asked these questions?  If so, you are one of the countless number of believers who have experienced this struggle.  The answer is in the scriptures, but it may not be simple nor easy to receive.

From the fall of man until now, man has always sought to have life focus around him and his desires.  Wars have come about because of a clash in desires between people.  Nations have tumbled by judgment because the people sought their own way.  Religion is the work of man trying to gain the blessing of God based on merits or achievements.  Any gain obtained in these situations would be wrought by man and at best sharing glory with God.

God however has a different plan.  He has chosen the foolish and weak things of this world to confound the wise (1 Corinthians 1:27).  By choosing the foolish and weak things, God is clearly recognized as the provider of the blessing, strength or deliverance.  The lost and the saved experience the same problems in life: the former without hope and the latter by God's aid.  When we were astray and wanted nothing to do with God, he sought us.  He worked in our lives bringing us to the point of recognizing our sinful condition and need for a savior.  Because he paid our debt on the cross, redeemed us from sin, adopted us into his family, became our father and blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places (Ephesians 1:3-7), he has the right to do with our lives as he pleases.

He continues to work in the heart of unbelievers and is drawing them to himself.  When Christ is lifted up, all men will be drawn to him.  By lifting up Christ in your life, men will be drawn to Him.  His strength to you in trials and comfort in the midst of sickness, loss and trouble will lift up Christ before others.  Because he does not use our strength, he solely receives the glory that he deserves.

This is why we experience trouble.  This is why God allows us to experience sorrow, pain and suffering.  We may not like it, but when we yield to him, we gain what truly is best for our lives.

For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. (Romans 8:18)

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A Sorrowful Heart (Proverbs 14:13)

Even in laughter the heart is sorrowful; and the end of that mirth is heaviness. (Proverbs 14:13)

Trials and troubles bring sorrow or emotional pain in the heart.  Hopes of bringing cheer to those struggling with this pain are futile (Proverbs 14:10) and in the end would create a greater level of sorrow. When a sorrowful heart experiences laughter, it creates a greater longing for the joy that it is lacking.  If you have ever been on a diet and then tasted one of the "forbidden" foods, you know how much you long for them even more.  In the same manner, the heart that experiences laughter even more so longs for happiness.

The cure for a sorrowful or a heavy heart cannot be found in events such as shopping, partying, sports, movies, vacations, drugs or alcohol.  The cure is hope.  Hope brings strength to the heart and when hope is removed, the heart becomes sick (Proverbs 13:12).  If you are struggling with sorrow of heart, seek Jesus so that you may discover how he is your hope.  If you desire to help sorrowful people, convey that you are bearing their burden with them (Galatians 6:2) and share with them how Jesus has helped you through similar struggles.  Your testimony can be used by the Holy Spirit to cause people to cry out to Jesus.

Sorrows in life will come.  Although events may bring temporal relief, they cannot deliver your heart from the sorrow that it experiences.  Jesus is your true help as you face these difficult times.  Seek him and he will be found (Matthew 7:7-8).