5 Minute Read
Today’s Bible Reading:
Numbers 16:41-18:32
Mark 16:1-20
Psalm 55:1-23
Proverbs 11:7
Today’s Bible Verse(s):
Psalm 55:22 (NLT): “Give your burdens to the LORD, and he will take care of you. He will not permit the godly to slip and fall.”
Reflections on Today’s Bible Verse(s):
Life is tough. I don’t know too many people that would disagree. We live in a broken Genesis 3 world.
So, what’s a Jesus-follower to do? Do we live in a perpetual state of despair?
Of course not!
We are to follow the example of the Psalmist and “give (our) burdens to the Lord.” That means that we go to Him in prayer, inform Him of what He already knows, and then leave the “worrying” to Him.
I’m saying these things because God’s Word calls us to do them. But I am also writing as someone who knows a thing or two about how difficult life can get. I recently wrote a book called “God’s Grace in the Real World,” in which I recounted story after story of how a Jesus-follower cannot allow the troubles of life to swallow us up. We must look for God’s grace, the silver-lining in the storm clouds of life.
How do we do that? Prayer is a non-negotiable! We go the Father and say something like: “Heavenly Father, I’ve done all that I can do. So, I’m leaving this matter in Your hands. If I were to fret and worry, it wouldn’t solve anything, so I won’t bother. I trust that You are working out Your perfect plan and that whatever happens has to come through Your hands before it gets to me. Thank You so much for taking this burden from me. It was getting far too heavy to carry. Amen.”
What is the guarantee? If we are godly (obedient and there is no unresolved sin in our lives), then He won’t permit us “to slip and fall.” That doesn’t mean that life will immediately get more comfortable. In fact, it may be God’s desire to use the difficulties to forge steadfastness and character in us. Sometimes, it is not God’s will to take the trials away (2 Corinthians 12:7-10). Psalm 55:22 means that we will be able to stand victorious even if the problems continue to rage around us. We can live with confidence because we are trusting the One who has everything under His control.
So, is life hard? Yes, sometimes it can even be excruciating. But don’t lay in a pool of discouragement on the battlefield. Get up, pray, trust in the Lord, and live in victory! One day, the fight will be over, and you can rest in the Lord’s glorious presence (Hebrews 4:8-11).
Matt Ellis is the pastor of First Baptist Church in Polk City, Florida (fbcpolkcity.com). His latest book is God’s Grace in the Real World. Connect with him on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn.
Matt’s Musings 