Soothing Balm

"Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, He said to them, "Come with Me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest""- Mark 6:31 (NIV).

Our lives can quickly become hectic, our orderly lives become anything but, and peace can disappear like the vapor of a blown out candle. Jesus knows when we've reached the point of exhaustion in our toil and strain and He bids us to come away with Him and get some rest (Matthew 11:28). You may not even realize your immediate need or you may feel that acknowledging your need to rest is equal to failure. Regardless, if Jesus commands you to come away with Him, go. He knows you better than you know yourself, He loves you more than you love yourself, and He will take care of you. The work will be there when you return; work is never done. Quicken to His call. Do not miss out on those moments in your life when Jesus says to come away with Him...by yourself to a quiet place. That intimate time with Jesus is a soothing balm. 

Keep Your Head

"..give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus"- 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NIV).

The storms of life roll into our lives and up squarely onto our shoulders. We pour out our hearts to God for relief, but we must not miss God's will for our part in fighting the enemy: Thankfulness. Paul instructed the church in Philippi to prayerfully petition God, but not with an anxious heart. No, he said, regardless of the situation, to approach God with thanksgiving (Philippians 4:6). Rudyard Kipling said, "If you can keep your head when all about you are losing theirs." Don't be a victim in prayer; you're a warrior and God is with you. He is fully aware of your battle Brothers and Sisters. You are not required to fight the battle. Take up your prayer position, give thanks and He'll fight the battle for you (2 Chronicles 20:17). Keep your head in the battle and see God's deliverance. 

We Will Overcome

"We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed"- 2 Corinthians 4:8-9 (NIV).

Most people know the storyline of the Rocky Balboa movie. No matter what was oppressing him or how many times he was struck down, his indomitable spirit rose up and he continued to fight until he had overcome. Where he relied on his own strength, Christians look for their help elsewhere; we lift our eyes to the Lord, our strength, who made heaven and earth (Psalm 121:1). We are promised, everyone, through faith in God, will overcome (1 John 5:4). Rocky may have had physical power, but Christians have spiritual power. We may become hard pressed, perplexed, persecuted and struck down, but we will not be crushed, in despair, abandoned  nor destroyed. We will rise up with an indomitable, all powerful Spirit. The Lord dwells within us and it is through His indwelling power we will overcome (1 John 4:4).

Refreshment

"Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord"- Acts 3:19 (NIV).

God is in the restoration business. He binds up the brokenhearted, He breaks the chains of the captive, He carries the weak and weary, He vindicates the persecuted, He forgives the sinner; then, He sets them free. We were born to be free. Free will gives us the choice to continue with God or to return to our old sinful patterns; but, God is ever watchful for the return of the prodigal. He will not tire of watching nor restoring: "Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness" (Lamentations 3:22-23). The sun rose this morning with God's faithfulness shining brightly. Yearn for times of refreshment, turn to Him and know, restoration only comes from the Lord.

His Planting

"...and provide for those who grieve in Zion-to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of His splendor"- Isaiah 61:3 (NIV).

During the time of Jesus' earthly mission, people visibly showed their need for God's forgiveness. Throughout the Bible, people who were filled with despair sought God's intervention by putting on sackcloth and ashes. When Jonah prophesied God's coming wrath to the city of Ninevah, the king removed his robe, covered himself in sackcloth and sat in ashes (Jonah 3:6). After immeasurable loss, Job despised himself and repented by sitting in ashes (Job 42:6). Jesus scolded the citizens of Chorazin and Bethsaida, saying that Tyre and Sidon would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes had they seen the mighty works done in their cities (Matthew 11:21). Today's Scripture says God will replace ashes with beauty, mourning with joy, despair with praise. God makes us into new creations; the downtrodden are no more; mighty oaks of righteousness now stand (2 Corinthians 5:17). We are His planting.