“I come to you, Lord, for protection; never let me be defeated. You are a righteous God; save me, I pray! Hear me! Save me now! Be my refuge to protect me; my defense to save me. You are my refuge and defense; guide me and lead me as you have promised. Keep me safe from the trap that has been set for me; shelter me from danger. I place myself in your care. You will save me, Lord; you are a faithful God.” (Psalm 31:1-5 Good News Translation)
This morning, let me offer to you a recommended prescription, one to reserve in your spiritual toolbox when “it” hits home. “It” being personal challenges or serious challenges faced by our loved ones; “it” being times when the trouble turns from something you have heard about to something you must go through: “it, something that does not call for empathy for others, but for excellent help in your right now experiences; “it: being a disruptive happening that you never suspected would visit your house; it being the awry that beckons the help of the Almighty in the midst of the awry.
My recommendation, when “it” hits home is to pray! Pray as the Psalmist above prayed! Make it relevant to your particular situation! Be specific and earnestly seek the intervention of the Lord. Pray for the protection of your faith, your loved ones, your home, and your strength that may be prone to weakening because of the fact that “hit” has hit home. Pray that you will not be defeated by the “it: that comes to your house. Pray for victory! Pray that the Lord hears your personal cry! Pray for His saving with a cry of urgency and need for the Lord to act with a sense of immediacy! Pray, acknowledging that the Lord is your refuge, and the Lord is your defense! Do all this when “it” hits home. I’m serious now! Pray ensuring the Lord that you are standing on His every promise. Pray that He will shelter you from danger of all kinds; mental, spiritual, physical, and social. Pray, turning it all over to the Lord. Put “it” in His hands. Place yourself in His care when “it” hits home” Pray with confidence that the Lord will hear you and save you! Yes, He is able when “it” hits home. Pray expressing your resolve that the Lord is faithful. Pray in such a way that you reveal your immoveable trust in the Lord! Don’t sulk in your situation! Pray! Don’t for one minute think you have to deal with “it” alone when “it hits” home.
That’s my recommendation today. I myself need to harken to it and perhaps you do too. If not now, you will at some time in life, when “it” hits home. Pray today! Pray today! Pray, turning to our very present Help in times of trouble! Pray today! As a matter of fact, pray right now! Deal with “it” when “it” hits home by prayer! Be blessed!
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Never rely on what you think you know. Remember the Lord in everything you do, and he will show you the right way.” (Proverbs 3:5-6 Good News Translation)
Still committed to the climb,
Mark L. King