Trouble. It can just seem to find us at times.
Trouble, as defined by dictionary.com –> disturbing our mental calm and/or contentment; inconvenience; pains; annoyance.
Based on that definition, we all can experience some sort of trouble on any given day.
“God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble.”
(Psalm 46:1, NLT)
We all have trouble and it presents itself differently to each of us. May we not not minimize the trouble of one another. In this one Scripture, we are promised three things:
- God is our refuge. A refuge refers to a strong and secure structure that provides shelter from the elements of life. This wording is used so that we would be assured of God’s watchful eye over His people.
- God is our help. “Help” here is indicative of support or assistance for someone who is weak or vulnerable from one who is stronger and able. No matter the trouble, He promises to help, to be sufficient in our time of need.
- God is our strength. “Strength” as used here, conveys security, stability, fortitude and safety which all can be found in and through our God.
But here is the thing – – – we must come to Him.
Jesus, in grieving over Jerusalem, cried …
“O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stones those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing.” (Matthew 23:37, NIV)
In discussing this portion of Scripture, my daughter-in-law pointed out how important it is for us to be willing to come to God to be protected. He will never force us to come under His protection.
Society encourages us to be independent, doing things on our own. Meanwhile God is longing for us to become dependent upon Him, coming to Him in complete reliance for our needs.
What is it you need?
May the prayer of our heart truly be for Him to make us willing to rely on Him.
Make us willing.
Today I am joining with … Wed. Prayer Girls and Wedded Wed. and Works For Me and Winsome Wed. and Whimsical Wed. and Imperfect Prose and Three Word Wed. and Words of Life Wed. and Coffee For Your Heart .
Dear Joanne
Yes, society spoon feeds us from a young age that we need to be mature, independent adults. It reminds me of that lie in Eden when Satan deceived Eve that we can independently decide for ourselves what good and evil were!
Blessings XX
Mia
Mia – so good to see a comment from you! The world deceives us into thinking maturity is independence. And Scripture tells us maturity is found in complete dependence on Him. May we depend on Him all of our days!
Blessings,
Joanne
Great reminder of our need for more of God and less of societies view. Great post. God Bless
May we keep our eyes on His view always.
Make me willing, Lord. Yes, my refuge and my help.
A prayer which our Lord delights to answer
Reminded of something that’s been on my own heart, “Lord I believe, help my unbelief.” May His strength, rest & help be found in ever present trouble. Amen!
Another prayer which is our Lord’s delight to answer!
Make me willing, Lord. To be obedient to you, to rest in your shadow, to accept your help.
I am loving reading these prayers which our Lord delights to answer.
I love that we are neighbors at Rachel’s place today. May we all choose to be dependent on God each day. His strength, love, and grace are available if we only reach out and say “yes”. Hope your Wednesday has been wonderful!
Mary, it is always a joy to read your comments. Yes! May we each choose to avail ourselves to all God offers us every day. Today has been delightful as I laughed with Jocelyn 🙂
Those are three words I should wake every morning and pray to Him. “Make me willing to come to you today, Lord. Today and every day.” Beautiful encouragement. Much love.
Beth, can we even imagine all our God would do in our days if we prayed like this each day! I so want to find out, don’t you?
Great encouragement that we have to seek Him and be willing!