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I Will Help You!

My father was not a big man, although he seemed big to me. When he walked it wasn’t leisurely. It was with head and shoulders leaning forward and his feet ready to speed ahead at an ever increasing pace.

When we were in town together he would take my hand and my own feet could suddenly move farther and faster than they could on their own.

To be part of his determined, quick steps was exhilarating. He didn’t usually tell me his precise plan for the day. I would just grab his hand and follow his lead.

I miss those adventures. The power of my hand in his.

I still have a Heavenly Father who takes my hand, ready to lead me down paths I am unfamiliar with. Life is uncertain and difficult, but with my hand in His I can move forward with confidence, being sure, not of myself, but sure of Him.

“‘Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand…’ For I am the LORD your God, who upholds your right hand, Who says to you, ‘Do not fear, I will help you.’ Do not fear.”

Isaiah 41:10, 13-14a

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When I am Afraid

I was afraid of the dark when I was little. My Dad, who knew me well, was aware of my fear. One night when he was saying good night to me I heard a banging on our house that made me shudder. My dad took my hand and said, “come with me.” I followed him down the stairs and out the back door of our house. He pointed up to a tree whose rustling branches were hitting the top of our house. He wanted me to see what made the noise so I wouldn’t be afraid. He took me back up to my bedroom and tucked me in. The noise no longer bothered me because my Dad, who knew I was afraid, had helped me.

When I was about 8 I climbed a tree in our front yard. As I climbed I broke off one of the branches I had used to climb up. I couldn’t climb up and I couldn’t climb down. There I was hanging in mid-air. My Dad heard my cry and came running to where I was. He patiently helped me down from my precarious perch. 

My Dad was able to help me because he knew me. He knew I needed His help. He knew I wasn’t always strong enough to get down from trees I had climbed. He knew I was afraid of the dark and of noises that were unfamiliar, but he not only knew me he loved me. He loved me enough to help me.

There is someone who loves me even more than my Dad did. God knows me inside out. God made me and loves me more than anyone else can. He knows I need His help. He hears me when I cry.

As I think about trouble around the world and in my everyday life I often become alarmed…then I remember that God is there to help me with the perceived threats (rustling branches) and the real threats (broken branches). He knows that we are weak and fearful people. He knows we need His help. No matter the circumstances, real or imagined, God has promised to be with us. He doesn’t promise to fix the problem, but promises to be with us. For it is by trusting Him through the darkest times that we learn to lean heavily on Him. If there was never trouble, we wouldn’t know our need of Him.

So the next time you are afraid or feel alone, remember God hears your cry. God loves you. God knows you better than anyone else.  God has promised to be with you.

For further study:

“The eyes of the LORD are toward the righteous, And His ears are open to their cry.” Psalm 34:15

“but if anyone loves God, he is known by Him.” I Corinthians 8:3

“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are Mine!”…

“Since you are precious in My sight. Since you are honored and I love you…

Do not fear, for I am with you;”  Isaiah 43:1, 4-5

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Never Alone

I have been blessed over the last weeks to have many people praying for me. I am grateful for those prayers and for those who helped in many other ways.

I also think back to the nights in the hospital and even the times I woke up in the middle of the night once I was home. Those were times of being reminded by God of his tender care of me. The verses he would bring to my mind or the fragment of a hymn.

“Jesus the name that charms our fears, that bids our sorrow cease. ‘Tis music in the sinners ears. ‘Tis life and health and peace.”

Our world is in trouble right now. It is more than a physical sickness. It is a spiritual darkness that envelops many. We think especially of our brothers and sisters in Ukraine, but there are many people hurting in many locations like Afghanistan and China. It seems hopeless, but we have a God who sees and hears. He still comforts those in trouble. He is at work even in the darkness. Our hope lies not in governments or leaders, but in the God who patiently waits for men to turn to Him. My prayer is that the current trouble causes such a turning.

My granddaughter, Arianna and I recorded this a couple of years ago. It was written by Emma and Stuart Townend. “I Am Here for You”.

For further study:

Deuteronomy 3:22 – “Do not fear them, for the LORD your God is the one fighting for you.”

Isaiah 31:1 – “Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help, And rely on horses, And trust in chariots because they are many, And in horsemen because they are very strong, But they do not look to the Holy One of Israel, nor seek the LORD!”

Isaiah 41:10, 13b – “Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” “…Do not fear, I will help you.”

Jeremiah 31:3 – “…I have loved you with an everlasting love; Therefore I have drawn you with lovingkindness.”

Matthew 28:20b – “lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

John 16:33b – “In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.”

John 3:16 – “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have everlasting life.”

I John 4:10 – “In this is love: not that we have loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins.”

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How Firm a Foundation

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My granddaughter, Arianna and I have a habit of watching an episode of “Andy Griffith” every night before bed. Last night Sheriff Andy was humming a song as he sat on his porch in the evening. Recognizing the tune as “How Firm a Foundation”, I found the words and started recording.

Every source I looked at said the author was unknown. It first appeared in 1787 simply labeled with the letter K. Somehow, I don’t think the original author would mind. Anyone who wrote words like the ones below was looking to glorify God, not himself.

How firm a foundation, ye saints of the Lord,

Is laid for your faith in His excellent word!

What more can He say than to you He hath said,

To you who for refuge to Jesus have fled.

Fear not, I am with thee, O be not dismayed,

For I am thy God, and will still give thee aid;

I’ll strengthen thee, help thee, and cause thee to stand,

Upheld by My righteous, omnipotent hand.

When through the deep waters I call thee to go,

The rivers of sorrow shall not overflow;

For I will be with thee, thy troubles to bless,

And sanctify to thee thy deepest distress.

When through fiery trials thy pathway shall lie,

My grace, all sufficient, shall be thy supply;

The flame shall not hurt thee; I only design

Thy dross to consume, and thy gold to refine.

The soul that on Jesus hath leaned for repose,

I will not, I will not desert to his foes;

That soul, though all hell should endeavor to shake,

I’ll never, no never, no never forsake!

For Further study:

Luke 21:33 – “Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will not pass away.”

Isaiah 41:10 – “Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”

Deuteronomy 31:6, 8 – “Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or tremble at them, for the LORD your God is the one who goes with you. He will not fail you or forsake you.” “And the LORD is the one who goes ahead of you; He will be with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear, or be dismayed.”

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Wilderness Journey #4 – Called to Service

 

Moses has spent the last 40 years tending sheep. He seems to have forgotten his former zeal for his brethren, but God had a plan that involved Moses. God had not forgotten. Read the following passage and work through the questions.

Exodus 3:1-22; 4:1-17

  • What did God use to get Moses attention?
  •  When did God speak to Moses? (vs. 3-4)
  •  What is God doing in your life to get your attention?
  •  God’s word is our burning bush. If we turn aside God will speak to us through it. See II Timothy 3:16 and Hebrews 4:12
  •  God introduces Himself in vs. 5 & 6. List the verbs God uses in verses 7-9.
  •  What was the problem? What was God going to do?
  •  How does God want to include Moses? vs. 10
  •  How does Moses respond in vs. 11?
  •  The argument continues. Take note of Moses’ misgivings and God’s solutions.
  •  How has Moses changed? Compare Exodus 4:10-13 with Acts 7:22? Why the shift?
  •  Our confidence needs to be in God, not our own abilities. At this point Moses had lost confidence in both. Did God write him off?
  •  What is God asking you to do today? How can you be faithful? Is there an area that you feel inadequate? Is that a good or bad thing?
  •  Learning to trust God is a daily process. Pray that you don’t get so busy arguing with God that you never move forward in obedience. The road ahead is uncertain, but our God has never been uncertain. Our God has never been more faithful. Our God is bigger than the problems we face.  He is there with us.. Believe it.

 

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Dealing with Anxiety – Study 8 – Mary

Two days ago Lake Michigan was dark and brooding.

Spring has been hard on the shoreline. Big sections of the beach are underwater. Crashing waves have taken bites out of the dunes, hungrily ripping some trees out by their roots.

The fallen trees emphasized the mood of the day. I was discouraged…tired…

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Two days later the lake’s mood had shifted.

The sun was warming our faces and there was no wind to speak of.

The lake was one with the sky. Only a sliver of white separated them.

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It was as if God had used a pallet knife to put the clouds in place, just so.

We found comfort in the stillness.

God uses every means available to Himself to reassure us of His presence and care.

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Today we will be looking at someone who was reassured by an angel. Her name is Mary and her story is found in Luke 1:26-51.

Here is the template if you need it. anxiety template

Her world was about to be turned upside down. Notice her response.

Notice what the angel says to her that calms her spirit.

Verses 47-56 give quite a description of God. Take comfort in who He is.

All for now.

 

 

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Dealing with Anxiety – Study 3 – Rahab

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“Have no anxiety about anything…” (Philippians 4:6) You know the rest of the verse.

We are all struggling with anxiety these days. We want to do something…anything. We hate the feeling of being helpless. But the reality is we have always been helpless. At times like this we realize how small we are.

God knows our fears. He knows how prone we are to worry. He doesn’t scold us, but says again and again. “I will be with you.” “Be not afraid.” He is asking us to trust Him. He is asking us to “be still” (Psalm 46:10)

One of the ways we can be still is to be in His Word. Scripture is living and active and powerful. It gives us peace while the world around us is going mad.

Today we are looking at someone who faced certain destruction. Her name is Rahab. Her story can be found in Joshua 2:1-24; 6:20-25.

Here is the template for studying. anxiety template

When you are done reading and studying I would encourage you to come back and comment on what you have learned. It is valuable for us to share with each other.

My favorite thing about being in a Bible study, (which I have had to put aside for now.) is to hear every person’s perspective on the same passage. While there is only one interpretation, there are many applications. It would be an encouragement to me if you shared what you have learned.

Thank you. Stay safe and well.

Karen

Dealing with Anxiety – Study 2 – Hebrew midwives
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Dealing with Anxiety – Study 2 – Hebrew midwives

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Social distancing is the new normal. Anywhere from 3 to 6 feet is now the respectful distance to stand from someone. Groups are to be held at less than 10. If you might be sick you should self-quarantine yourself. I am doing my best to comply with this new way of living.
I’m thankful for a God who doesn’t practice social distancing. A God who comes near…who is with us…who even goes so far as to seek us out. A God who promises to one day wipe away every tear from our eyes.
So as we wait for these social distancing days to be over remember that He is very near. That He loves us with an everlasting love. That in these uncertain times we can be certain of our God pulling us close. Use these days to be in His word. To be in His presence.
Monday we learned about Hagar who encountered the God who sees. Here is the second passage in this series of anxious people. Use the template below to work through the text.

 

trouble-and-anxiety-study-template
Exodus 1:8-21 – There are a lot of people mentioned in this passage. I would suggest you focus on the Hebrew midwives.  Study this with someone you know over the phone or by skype. Tell me what you learn in the comments. Tell me how I can pray for you.

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Teach us to Number our Days

January is more than half over and I am still contemplating what my goals should be for the new year. I attended too many funerals last year. There were at least half a dozen. January brought even more. It is a sad reminder that life is fleeting.

I have been settling in for the long haul and God reminds me that this life is just temporary. Heaven is waiting. This life that I cling to so fiercely will be but a flash when I am finally home with Him.

So what are my marching orders as I live day to day here? My husband pointed out to me the most mentioned command in the Bible. I was sure it was something about loving God and our neighbor. Ready?…

“Do not be afraid”  or “Do not fear”

God said it again and again. He said it to Abraham, Jacob, Joshua, Moses, the nation of Israel. He said it to Hagar, a slave girl, who was afraid her son was going to die of thirst in the desert.

The Psalms are full of the command.

Psalm 23:4 “…I fear no evil, for You are with me.”

Many of the prophets said it multiple times. (Isaiah 35:4; 41:10; 41:13)

God sent angels to give the message to Daniel, Zecharias, Mary, Joseph, Shepherds, women at the tomb.

Jesus also repeated it often to his disciples. Reminding them that they were worth more than the sparrows. (Matt. 10:31)

The command applies to me as well. “Do not fear!”  – Why? Because I have a God who is with me and guiding my steps.

He doesn’t promise that my path will be easy. There will still be trouble and funerals and dark days, but He is with me.  …and someday there will be no more crying. There will be no more sin. There will be no more fear.

For now I need to trust him with today. I need to have courage that he will provide the strength for what he has called me to do. I need to believe that this God, who cannot lie, will do more than I can ask or think. Knowing that this troubled life is but an instant compared to eternity.

 

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7

“Say to those with anxious heart, Take courage, fear not…” Isaiah 35:4

“For I am the LORD your God, who upholds your right hand, Who says to you, Do not fear, I will help you.” Isaiah 41:13

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Afraid of the Dark

The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. Psalm 19:1 (ESV)

My granddaughter, Arianna is afraid of the dark.

She is thrilled with the thought of there never being any night in heaven. (Rev. 21:25)

“We won’t ever have to go to bed, right Nana?” she asks me. “We won’t ever be tired, right?”

“Look at the stars, Nana. Those are the stars God made for Arianna, right Nana?”

When Arianna has to go out at night she looks up. The stars make her less afraid. They remind her of a God who loves her enough to give her some light in the dark.

If I am honest I admit to being afraid of the dark too. I tend to put my head down and move quickly. How much better if I would lift my head and see the stars God made for me.

“Lift up your eyes on high

And see who has created these stars,

The One who leads forth their host by number,

He calls them all by name;

Because of the greatness of His might and the strength of His power

Not one of them is missing.”  Isaiah 40:26 (NASB)