Taking it to Work:
Today’s devotional is based out of Ps 69:1 where David is up to his neck in trouble, and is calling out to God, and Matthew 11 where our Lord Himself is trying convince us to let Him carry some of our burden.
As children of the King, we are not meant to run our race on our own, figure things out on our own, or face trials on our own. We are called to be yoked with Him, as a constant partner and strength in our lives. Without this abiding with Christ, the pressures of life and work can often be very overwhelming.
Unfortunately, many of us, even as Christ followers, try to pull all the weight, and solve all the issues, all on our own, long before we go to God.
In fact, some us never go to God until we are at the end of our rope, and there is no place else to go. Jesus tells us that is the wrong approach. When we are starting to be swamped, either with problems, lack of time, or both, the truth is, we have a great helper in our Savior. He has sent His Spirit to dwell within us, and gave us direct access to His help 24/7.
Call on His Name in your struggles, in calamity; that’s fine, and biblical, but the better approach, if you can, take time to listen to His Spirit, to calm and council your own, early in the process. Don’t wait until the all alligators are within arms-length to begin to pray. Even for the best of us, it’s hard to hear Him when we are in a panic.
Draw close to Him now, before the gators arrive. Ask Him to navigate you through the swamp early, before you get stuck, and His help will see you through, as His Word works in you, today.
Ps 69:1 (ESV) – Save me, O God! For the waters have come up to my neck.
Matthew 11:28-30 (ESV) – Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
Ps 54:4 (ESV) – Behold, God is my helper; the Lord is the upholder of my life.
Heb 13:6 (ESV) – So we can confidently say, “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?”
Listening to the Holy Spirit:
You will have strength. In all of life there is deep challenge. From all sides pressure can ensue. It is there you must have faith, that what you have been given is enough. My Spirit upholds My own. Through trial you will pass many times. With each, you become wiser and more capable for the next. Faith builds, that assurity in My presence will be sufficient. Draw closer in the trial. Reach for the hand that gives strength to the weak, wisdom to he who is lost, and peace in the storm. As a storm passes, as flood waters recede, so too this current pressure. Proceed with your strength, and call on Me. I shall build up what you lack, control what you cannot. All is in My hands. In faith and confidence, lift your head to Me, and your strength will rise for the task at hand. Yoke with Me and pull. I Am here.
