Category: God’s Gentle Reminders

I’ve always enjoyed reading about David’s victory over Goliath.  Something about underdogs defying odds holds my attention.  The more I read the story, the more I’m baffled by David’s attitude toward Goliath.  David knew GOD as a deliverer, and he refused to tolerate any opposing suggestions.  So he did something about it – David took his weapon (a sling and a rock) and silenced the voice that defied GOD.

Every now and then, it’s a good idea to destroy the things that conflict with our knowledge of GOD.  So many thoughts invade our minds; they convince us that GOD isn’t real or that HE’S not concerned with our plight.  But we can’t entertain these thoughts; instead, we must do like David and Paul, and tear them down.  We must take the WORD, our spiritual sword, and cut down everything contrary to what it says!

So when doubt comes knocking at your door, tear it down with the WORD.  Here’s an example to get your started …

Worried about the economy?  Try this: “And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19, New Living Translation).

Remember Weebles?  Webbles were very interesting; they were the only toys that could “play” with children.  Weebles were large, egg-shaped, plastic dolls, and if you pushed them over, they stood back up.  How?  Weebles had a weight in the bottom (fat) end.  In other words, they were built on a solid foundation!

Did you know that we also have a foundation that will help us stand when life tries to push us down?  We have an anchor that will keep us grounded when adversity arises – the WORD.  In the verses cited above, JESUS compares the WORD to a rock, or a strong foundation.  JESUS was so confident in the WORD that HE said it will make us storm-proof: “Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won’t collapse because it is built on bedrock.”  In other words, when we stand (listen/obey) on the WORD, like Weebles, we’ll wobble, but we won’t fall down!

This recharge is a reminder that you can stand on the WORD.  The economy, government, and jobs may let us down, but the WORD will stand forever.  The WORD is our spiritual Prudential; it’s the rock you can trust when everything seems shaky!

Did you know that the recent economic crisis is not just affecting Wall Street?  It’s affecting people, too.  News 14 Carolina reported that mental health issues (anxiety, depression, and sleep problems) have increased since the onset of the recession.  Interestingly, the solution to these problems is quite simple.  A psychiatrist featured on the segment said maintaining a positive attitude can work wonders!

I can’t think of a better route to a positive attitude than shifting your focus from worrying to worship.  That’s JESUS’ advice in the verses cited above.  HE said, “Don’t waste time worrying about your basic needs.  Instead, use the energy spent worrying to seek MY way, will and word.”  And, if we follow HIS advice, we’ll receive tremendous benefits: GOD will give us everything we need.  In other words, if we give GOD what HE needs – our attention and devotion – then HE’LL give us everything we need.

Let’s not worry about the recurring reports of economic failure; instead, let’s devote our attention to GOD and HIS will for our lives.  If we shift our focus to HIM, then we’ll be worry free!  That’s why Isaiah wrote, “You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!  Trust in the Lord always, for the Lord God is the eternal Rock” (Isaiah 26:3-4, New Living Translation).

Several current events have shown me how fragile our minds really are.  Just think about it.  If you received news of a forthcoming gas shortage, you might rush to the gas station, even if you’ve only used 1/4 of a full tank.  If you heard the interest rate on your savings account would soon plummet, you might withdraw all your money and keep it between your mattresses.  Our minds are such infidels; they’ll welcome fear immediately after embracing faith.

Speaking of our minds, GOD said, “My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” (Isaiah 55:8, New Living Translation).  Maybe that’s why Solomon boldly concludes that we should leave our minds on the shelf: “… do not depend on your own understanding.”  Instead of trusting the memoirs of our minds, Solomon said we should trust GOD.  Why?  GOD is the only one who can see the beginning and the end at the same time.  And like a good navigation system, HE’LL lead us to our destination.

This recharge is a reminder that our minds are too unstable to trust; therefore, we should depend wholly on the source of stability – GOD.  I’ll conclude this recharge with some thoughts GOD shared with me several years ago.  May these words inspire you to leave your understanding in pursuit of GOD’S.

Lose your mind, and embrace the mind of GOD.
Our minds constrain; GOD’S mind constructs.
Our thoughts restrict; GOD’S thoughts release.
Replace your mind with HIS, and watch the impossible quickly become possible!

I’m not sure if you’ve noticed, but we’re living in uncertain and unstable times.  Things we’ve trusted throughout history are eroding before our eyes.  Banks are failing.  Jobs are relocating or releasing employees.  Political and social leaders are fickle.  So many things are unraveling that it’s hard to trust anything.

The author of today’s text reminds us that there is something, SOMEONE for that matter, we can trust.  Interestingly, the answer is not people.  Why?  People are fallible and finite, and you’ll certainly be disappointed of you trust their ideas and solutions.  The answer is GOD, the infallible, infinite, incredible CREATOR of the world.  GOD is permanent and powerful; throughout history, HE hasn’t changed.  No wonder it’s better to trust in the LORD than to trust in people.

This recharge is a reminder that while you can’t trust everything, you can trust ONE THING – GOD.  Put your trust in HIM, and HE will see you through.

Such things were written in the Scriptures long ago to teach us. And the Scriptures give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God’s promises to be fulfilled (Romans 15:4, New Living Translation).