God we have lost our way in this world, running around in the dark, not sure where our steps are taking us - so we grab hold of others who we feel can lead and guide us! "Others" do not know in which direction they are going either.
Luke 6:39 AMPC
"He further told them a proverb: Can a blind [man] guide and direct a blind [man]? Will they not both stumble into a ditch or a hole in the ground?"
Imagine holding on to someone in a dark place who can't see what's up ahead as well. One false step could take you over a cliff; with no turning back, yet we put our trust in that person, following their lead.
Those who live in "safe mode" fear going out in deep waters and perhaps never experienced God's love and power and those who are in constant chaos and turmoil repeatedly stay in that environment - only because it's familiar and fear God because nothing in their life has changed for the better. So both parties stay stagnant, not realizing if the environment won't change, then they shall make a change.
"For we do not have a High Priest Who is unable to understand and sympathize and have a shared feeling with our weaknesses and infirmities and liability to the assaults of temptation, but One Who has been tempted in every respect as we are, yet without sinning.
Let us then fearlessly and confidently and boldly draw near to the throne of grace (the throne of God’s unmerited favor to us sinners), that we may receive mercy [for our failures] and find grace to help in good time for every need [appropriate help and well-timed help, coming just when we need it]. (Hebrews 4:15,16 AMPC)"
We have a financial problem, a difficult relationship or child; or perhaps an unexpected illness. All of these feelings and situations are dark places! But as described previously, that friend or neighbor who still lives in fear regardless of the circumstances, cannot tell you how "Good" God is themselves. They cannot offer you something that taste good if they have not tasted it themselves!
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| My Nephew relaxing after an intense labor of wrestling practice! |
"For he who has once entered [God's] rest also has ceased from [the weariness and pain] of human labors, just as God rested from those labors peculiarly His own.
Let us therefore be zealous and exert ourselves and strive diligently to enter that rest [of God, to know and experience it for ourselves], that no one may fall or perish by the same kind of unbelief and disobedience [into which those in the wilderness fell] (Hebrews 4:10, 11 AMPC)"
As bad as it seems to us, no situation is hopeless! We can't lose hope, just because your neighbor, friend, or family member tells you otherwise. The only One who knows the beginning from the end is God.
"This was so that, by two unchangeable things [His promise and His oath] in which it is impossible for God ever to prove false or deceive us, we who have fled [to Him] for refuge might have mighty indwelling strength and strong encouragement to grasp and hold fast the hope appointed for us and set before [us].
[Now] we have this [hope] as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul [it cannot slip and it cannot break down under whoever steps out upon it—a hope] that reaches farther and enters into [the very certainty of the Presence] within the veil,
Where Jesus has entered in for us [in advance], a Forerunner having become a High Priest forever after the order (with the rank) of Melchizedek. (Hebrews 6:18-20 AMPC)
Looking to our left side or our right side complicates the situation more. We run away from God, instead of to Him. "Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always" (Psalm 105:4 NIV)
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| Foggy Day impairs our vision to see clearly! |
When we look up, our focus is only "One" way not two; and the blurry view (or fog) you previously had, subsides! It becomes clear enough to gain that sense of, "Every thing is going to be alright", back. That "Hope" (Jesus) who cares!
Matthew 11:28-30 AMPC
"Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy-laden and overburdened, and I will cause you to rest. [I will ease and relieve and refresh your souls.]
Take My yoke upon you and learn of Me, for I am gentle (meek) and humble (lowly) in heart, and you will find rest (relief and ease and refreshment and recreation and blessed quiet) for your souls.
For My yoke is wholesome (useful, good—not harsh, hard, sharp, or pressing, but comfortable, gracious, and pleasant), and My burden is light and easy to be borne."
Jesus, is gentle with us as well as sincere. He keeps His Word and His Promise, that penetrates within our hearts and minds to keeps us on the path of righteousness that ALWAYS leads to VICTORY!
"But seek (aim at and strive after) first of all His kingdom and His righteousness (His way of doing and being right), and then all these things taken together will be given you besides.
So do not worry or be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will have worries and anxieties of its own. Sufficient for each day is its own trouble. (Matthew 6:33,34 AMPC)"
Did you know that anxiety affects your lungs and breathing; whereas if it is severe enough, it mimics a heart attack - although you are not actually having one. In additions, it lowers your immune system; which allows your body to be susceptible to diseases and other disorders in the body that deteriorates your quality of life!
Now the opposite of anxiety is joy, peace, and trust in God that keeps the heart and mind at rest with no pills, side effects, or health issues. Because, those who keep their minds stayed on Him, He will keep in perfect peace!
You will guard him and keep him in perfect and constant peace whose mind [both its inclination and its character] is stayed on You, because he commits himself to You, leans on You, and hopes confidently in You.
So trust in the Lord (commit yourself to Him, lean on Him, hope confidently in Him) forever; for the Lord God is an everlasting Rock [the Rock of Ages]. (Isaiah 26:3,4 AMPC)
Peace (Rest in Jesus) is your goal to seek today!
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