Do you awaken in the night, only to stare into the darkness as your mind tumbles in kaleidoscopic action, one thought layered on another in random patterns? When I awaken at 2 AM thinking about that counseling session of the previous day, some pending project at the church, someone’s broken heart, the Sunday sermon that isn’t coming together, a phone call I forgot to make, a conversation that never seemed to connect with the real issue… or something else: the clock advances and I see numbers my bedside clock projects onto the ceiling turn to 3, then 3:30, then 4! But, not so often as they once did.
In those moments, I've learned to pray. They are quiet prayers that are not eloquent but that express my deep longing for His Presence, for His wisdom, for His Kingdom to come; first in my heart and then in my world! Not many years ago, the cares of my life would cause me to leave my bedroom and often cost me the rest of the night’s rest. No more! It’s such a privilege to just commune for a while with the Lord, sometimes even wordlessly turning each concern to Him, sometimes matching need to Scripture promise, sometimes just breathing a quiet, “Jesus, be Lord!”
The Word reminds me of the folly of stress, of taking too much on myself, of trying to be God!
The Psalmist wrote, {127:1-2}
Unless the Lord builds a house, the work of the builders is useless.
Unless the Lord protects a city, guarding it with sentries will do no good.
It is useless for you to work so hard from early morning until late at night,
anxiously working for food to eat; for God gives rest to his loved ones.
It's a wonderful Word, but it raises a question for me. Does God intend this promise to release me from all responsibility? In the context of the whole counsel of the Word, we know that God expects us to be diligent, to apply ourselves to gaining wisdom, to work hard to make a difference. The instruction in the Psalm is about taking on ourselves too much because of our vanity! If we make our work in life a means of proving our personal worth, of trying to secure ourselves against all threats, stress will overtake. The uncontrollable variables of weather, health, national economies, and other people’s choices will cause us terrible fear as we realize how completely impotent we are in the face of it all!
We may build a house, but only God controls the wind, the flood, the earthquake that can level it!
We may post our guard to drive away thieves and robbers but only God can secure us against the wily, evil that comes from the Devil and those who do his work.
We may diligently apply ourselves to getting the seed into the soil, but only God can make it grow! We can be thrifty and build our retirement account, but only God can guarantee our home in Heaven. Thus, Solomon, the writer of this Psalm, urges us to set aside anxiety and to trust our Sovereign Lord.
Jesus stated this same truth in these words found in Matthew 6:32-33: “Why be like the pagans who are so deeply concerned about these things? Your heavenly Father already knows all your needs, and He will give you all you need from day to day if you live for him and make the Kingdom of God your primary concern.”
As I prayed last night, the Spirit formed a picture in my mind, based on the Scripture that follows. I ‘saw’ the Hand of God, with my name written there, as His reminder of me! What comfort. He never forgets us, always watches over us. Take this word from the Word and I hope it forms an image of comfort and peace for you today.
"This is what the Lord says: “At just the right time, I will respond to you. On the day of salvation I will help you. I will protect you and give you to the people as my covenant with them." (Isaiah 49:8, NLT) "See, I have written your name on the palms of my hands. Always in my mind is a picture of (your need)." (Isaiah 49:16, NLT)
________________
My Life Is In Your Hands
Life can be so good
Life can be so hard
Never knowing what each day
Will bring to where You are
Sometimes I forget
And sometimes I can't see
That whatever comes my way
You'll be with me
Nothing is for sure
Nothing is for keeps
All I know is that Your love
Will live eternally
So I will find my rest
And I will find my peace
Knowing that You'll meet
My ev'ry need
My life is in Your hands
My heart is in Your keeping
I'm never without hope
Not when my future is with You
My life is in Your hands
And though I may not see clearly
I will lift my voice and sing
'Cause Your love
Does amazing things
Lord I know my life
Is in Your hands
When I'm at my weakest
Oh, You carry me
Then I become my strongest
Lord in Your hands
© 1993, 1994 Careers-BMG Music Publishing, Inc.
Floating Note Music, Inc. (Admin. by BMG Music Publishing)
Bill Montvilo
Kathy Troccoli
CCLI License No. 810055
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