Most Compassionate Lord, on many fronts Your people find themselves being crushed by circumstances they encounter. Damages are to their bodies by disease, damages are to their minds by depression and worry, and damages to their outlooks by a loss of hope. How much we all look forward to a time when normality and peace will re-enter our lives. A change for the better means a great deal to what we are feeling and our outlook. Things on TV and the lives of others we observe seem to be upbeat but things in our lives are unchanging … and, in fact, are likely going downhill. The heartache being felt does not offer any worldly hope of remedies that can undo the pain … what is needed is a strong dose of You. The healing that is needed starts down deep within where You can apply a balm of healing to a hurting heart. Only You can provide the safety, hope and fulfillment that will make us feel whole again.
I am reminded that the privileges offered through a relationship with You are available to all men and will never be withdrawn. In reflecting upon Your calling, it was not made to those who were wise in human understanding, nor those who were influential, nor those who were rich. No, You chose the weak and humble to confound the wise and rich. It is through You alone that wisdom, righteousness and redemption is dispensed. Often I seek for something or somewhere else only to realize that where I am is where You want me to be. When I find myself placed where I am, it does not mean You cannot reach me and touch my infirmities with Your love. Instead of floundering in my circumstances, I should look to You for a way out. The hope You give is that the impasse I am facing will be removed and I’ll see a better road ahead. I rely in Your assurance of a certain victory if I remain in You.
The joy I have comes from realizing that You have provided me with an escape from the strangle hold of sin and death and an eternal home … a great inheritance … and, access to Your power. What You seek is for me to put behind the things of the past knowing that going forward with You will be much better. Instead of regrets for what has been lost, I need to draw closer to You so I can see the positives that come from being in You. When I am able to take my eyes off of my problems, I can look forward to a fuller and more meaningful life because of my hope in You. Your calling is a lifelong process committed to becoming more like You. While being imperfect, I can keep moving forward regardless of my circumstances. I realize I do not deserve anything You’ve provided, but in Your love and mercy they are made available to me. This is why my hope is in Your calling. And it’s in Jesus’ name I pray. AMEN!!
Hebrews 3:1 Therefore, brothers, who share in the heavenly calling, fix your thoughts on Jesus, the apostle and high priest whom we confess.