It’s often said, “The Lord helps those who help themselves.” Father, keep us mindful that the Lord helps those who help one another. By looking to the needs of others, we honor you. Today, open my eyes and give me a willing heart. May my actions serve others and glorify you.
The recent flooding in Colorado, reminded me of this story about a man caught in another flood. He stood on the porch as the sheriff went by in his jeep. The officer offered to evacuate the man but was told, “No, thank you, God will save me!” The flood waters rose and the man moved to an upstairs bedroom. A boat sailed by with neighbors in it. They called out to the man and offered him the last seat in their boat. “No, thank you,” was his reply. “God will protect me.” The waters continued to rise and the man had to climb out on his roof. The National Guard flew by in a helicopter and the soldiers called out to the man. They would lower a rope so he could climb aboard. Again, he refused, saying, “God will reach down from heaven and rescue me!” Unfortunately, the flood waters continued to rise and the man eventually drowned. At the pearly gates, he asked God why he’d not been rescued. “I sent you a jeep, a boat and a helicopter,” was His reply. “What were you waiting for?”
Heavenly Father, may we always recognize your hand when it reaches out to us. May we never forget that we, too, must do our part if we hope to be rescued from life’s difficulties.
So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most. [Hebrews 4:16 (NLT)]Thank you, God, for hearing our prayers. May we approach you both reverently, as we would a king, and confidently and honestly, as we would a dear friend.
I look up to the mountains—does my help come from there? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth! [Psalm 121:1-2 (NLT)]
Our understanding of the Bible is a bit like being at the seashore. Having an unopened Bible and only encountering it when the gospel is read at church is like gazing at the ocean and listening to the surf. If we merely glance through the Bible from time to time, we’ve dipped our toes into the sea, but we’re barely wet. When we consider just a few verses, we’re like swimmers. We’ve gotten wet, but we’re still just skimming over the surface. When we actually study God’s holy word, when we examine each verse in its context, attempt to make sense out of it, and try to understand how it applies to our lives, we’re like divers who get beneath the surface of the sea. It is the divers who get to see the vivid colors, the fabulous sea creatures, the coral reefs and even discover hidden treasure. There is treasure to be found in God’s word. Let’s do a little diving today!
God will carry our burdens, but only if we are willing to give them to Him. Sometimes, physically handing them over makes it easier to do just that. Try writing out those concerns that are weighing heavy on your heart and placing them in a small box. When the lid is closed on the “Leave it to God” box, release the problem, worry and anxiety to our Lord. Continue to pray about your concerns, but let God carry the burden and do the worrying. The problems will eventually resolve in God’s time and in His way. Until that happens, however, the weight of worry and apprehension are no longer being lugged on your shoulders and in your heart. It really doesn’t matter how you release your burdens to Him; the important thing is to do it!
Perhaps what our Father would have us learn is that worry is not for Him to take away, but for us to give up. [From “Vital Signs” by Kathy Herman]
As I present my prayers to you, O Lord, give me joy and thanksgiving at your answers, even when they are not the answers for which I prayed!
Prayer may not change things for you, but it sure changes you for things. [Samuel M. Shoemaker]
