“The Lord is far from the wicked [and distances Himself from them], but He hears the prayer of the [consistently] righteous [that is, those with spiritual integrity and moral courage].]!”.” (Hebrews 13:5 The Amplified Bible)
Sometimes it seems like there is an avalanche of unwanted things that happen over the holidays, opening the door for sadness, sorrow, satanic forces messing with our faith, storms of anguish, and swarms of anxiety. During an avalanche as such, one’s faith will be tested forward progress will be thwarted, that is if they fail to remember that we have a Father in Heaven, and our Father, Almighty God is One who opens closed doors. In these and similar seasonal cases, when the Lord opens closed doors, He will restore our joy. He will return a happiness that can only be experienced by knowing Jesus! Say, “happy in Jesus!” He will remind us that no satanic weapon formed against us will prosper! He will shut up the storms and let peace dominate, by means of a Divine, “Be quiet!” And He will stomp out our worries. Call on Him if you face a struggling time during this season of the year. Sovereign God will see you through a new door and you will experience a walk into the place of relief. If you just be still right now, and know that He is God, and that is saying something, God, and God all by Himself. I am sure you will feel a sample of sweet relief right now!
My friend, it is that time of the year when we hear the familiar musical cords and lyrics of the season being sung by a variety of joyful voices, voices that vary in sound and pitch, but not in meaning. Yes, you hear this musical delight in stores and at workplaces, “It is the most wonderful time of the year.” Well, that’s true when we think of the reason for the season. But when our adversary starts meddling, messing with our mind during the holiday season, we experience the worst of times because we hear the worst news, news of the loss of this type or that type. It may be the loss of a loved one, the loss of a job, the loss of physical vitality…an inevitable happening that comes with age. In Ecclesiastes we are reminded to “Remember your Creator in the days of your youth, before the days of trouble come and the years approach when you will say, ‘I find no pleasure in them.’” The loss of physical vitality is inevitable.
Listen! Regardless of the type of loss you may experience or be experiencing, while you are asking others to pray for you, help yourself make it through by going to God in prayer. Ask Him to open the doors that seem closed and allow you to walk up to where your joy is restored! Ask Him to recharge you until your hope is renewed! Ask Him to embrace you and rekindle your enduring faith so it is enlarged in your words and deeds! Remember believer, the Bible tells us that we can come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. And let me tell you, I believe in prayer. It works anytime and anywhere.
For many, these last few months will bring about memories of holidays gone by with loved ones who have gone home to be with the Lord in His perfect presence. But when memories try to mess with your contentment, first of all, don’t feel you are by yourself. It happens to us all. That’s part of being human, but saint, we are not alone. Did you hear what I said believer? We are not alone! We are not without help! We have a very present help in times of trouble. Therefore, when the landslide of happenings and/or those dear, cherished memories that we hold dearly attack our human emotional and conscious state, turn to the One who can dry your tears and take you through even the toughest of times. You won’t have to fake it, you can just “faith it!”
Amidst the avalanche and landslides of things that try to destroy our spirit, remember to pray. We have the privilege of prayer. Unlike the case with the wicked, God is not remote from you. So let your thoughts turn to the fact that as one of the righteous, He will hear your prayers and answer by and by. Just wait! Wait on the Lord with positive expectations and be of good courage! Keep reading!
Tossed and driven by those things on “the restless sea of life,” during this season, be sure to turn your eyes upward, toward Heaven from whence our help comes from. Our help really does come from the Lord. Go ahead and remind yourself of what He has done in your life in days past. And then, remind yourself, the Lord still can bring us peace, still can intervene in the normal course of events with His miraculous doings! Don’t forget for a minute that what He has done before, He can do again! (An “Amen” goes right here!)
These were just some seasonal thoughts to help you stay God-conscious, Christ centered, and to depend on the Lord through it all. I pray for you to have a better Wednesday than you ever expected. Praise God! Heaven’s help line is waiting for your call, right now! Be blessed!
“We know that God doesn’t listen to sinners, but he is ready to hear those who worship him and do his will.” (John 9:31 NLT)
Committed to the climb,
Mark L. King