“I took my troubles to the Lord; I cried out to Him, and He answered my prayer.” (Psalm 120:1)
I do not know about you, but I sure do know about me and there are times when I just need to be reminded of some things. And when these reminders confront me … I am lifted up and strengthened.
It is always refreshing to hear those that you love … tell you how much they love you!
It is always refreshing to tell those that I love … I love you!
It is always refreshing when you’ve missed Bible Classes and Worship Services … and someone comes up and says, “we’ve missed you at services.”
But there are much more than just exchanges between others that are refreshing … there are so many reminders that we need to consider when it comes to life … to death … and to all the events that occur in between. Some are painful to consider while others can bring a smile to our faces and hope more firmly established in our hearts.
It is painful to hear … even more to experience … when we disregard the laws of the Lord … that we have sinned and disappointed our gracious and loving Father! And the decision is ours and ours alone as to whether we will repent of that which is wrong and seek the Lord’s mercy and forgiveness.
We need to be reminded that we are not nor ever will be in this life … perfect! The apostle Paul reminds us that “we have all sinned and come short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23) But we can all do a little better.
We need to be reminded that forgiveness is not only available but that our God is more ready to forgive than we are ready to ask for forgiveness! (2 Peter 3:9)
Yet, there are even more reminders … the ones that should carry the most significance and meaning to those of us who are trying to ‘walk in the steps of the Savior.’ We need to be reminded that when the world, life itself, and the deliberate intentions of our adversary to convince us that God doesn’t care about us … or that He is too busy looking after others and of worldly affairs … He does care!
Being reminded of the many times my God has answered my prayers or those who were praying for me … brings such joy and comfort … joy that I do need to be reminded of …. because you and I can forget, can’t we?
David, the young shepherd boy, who became the 2nd King of Israel remembered … it is as if he was able to remember most if not all of the times when he appealed to his God to listen, to help, to answer … and God did! That my friends, the knowledge that He sees … listens … that He cares … that He answers! That is something worth remembering!
The congregation of the Lord’s people where we now worship has experienced a series of difficult and heart-wrenching and heartbreaking events over the past several months … all of which if only one occurred would be difficult … but a number have taken place and the toll has been harsh.
On Tuesday evening a special service was called for by our elders who did a wise thing by arranging for this service to take place. Designated as an Encouragement Service, thoughts expressed by the Apostle Paul to the Thessalonian brethren to “comfort one another” as well as numerous “one another” passages were most appropriate.
Words of encouragement were offered … to the hurting as well as to those who were hurting for the hurting … wonderfully worded prayers were offered up … many songs, some of which had even been requested by the most hurting were sung.
Unfortunately, though not able to be there myself due to some extenuating health issues, my wife and I watched the entirety of the service via live stream and were so comforted through our own tears and heartaches.
One of several benefits to be experienced from “comforting, encouraging, consoling, one another” is that we can help, even in a small way, to put strength back into the hearts of the heavy burdened … to carry on.
Why have I written these words? The answer is very simple. Every one of us needs to know … to be reminded of … the blessings we have in Christ Jesus … to know that we are not alone … that we have a loving and merciful Father looking down and watching over His sheep … a High Priest who is aware of how the hard times of life can be so exacting on our lives and on our very souls … the Holy Spirit who helps in presenting the words and thoughts that we find difficult to even put into requests! And we pray, Lord, strengthen Your people everywhere!
“Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a battle.”
Remember that one who was a Barnabas when you needed the encouragement … and then … “go thou and do likewise.”
Bill Fairchild, Jr.
“I sought the Lord, and He answered me and delivered me from all my fears.” (Psalm 34:4)
No comments yet.