For the distressed spirit, there is little more therapeutic a thought than that of an answered prayer. It’s “sweet to the soul and healing to the bones” as the old proverb[1] would suggest. When we read the words of David below, we feel his shrill and agonising pain, but we also feel a resolve to continue fighting the good fight with the sinews of faith that remain.
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And the present day message is this: God is The Way to recovering from any situation, not the least of which, dependence and addiction, or any situation for that matter where substances might block the aid he might give. For we often are faced with situations beyond us, whether they be anesthetised by substances or caused by them. Using substances won’t fix a thing. Try this ancient remedy; the words of David:
And the present day message is this: God is The Way to recovering from any situation, not the least of which, dependence and addiction, or any situation for that matter where substances might block the aid he might give. For we often are faced with situations beyond us, whether they be anesthetised by substances or caused by them. Using substances won’t fix a thing. Try this ancient remedy; the words of David:
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1 Hear my cry, O God;
1 Hear my cry, O God;
listen to my prayer.
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2 From the ends of the earth I call to you,
2 From the ends of the earth I call to you,
I call as my heart grows faint;
lead me to the rock that is higher than I.
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3 For you have been my refuge,
3 For you have been my refuge,
a strong tower against the foe.
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4 I long to dwell in your tent forever
4 I long to dwell in your tent forever
and take refuge in the shelter of your wings.
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-Psalm 61:1-4 (NIV).
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This prayer is as much a prayer of faith in the Higher Power, which acknowledges we have meagre strength of our own, as anything. The psalmist is at the end of his tether in verse 2. He can’t withstand more than this.[2] He seeks the power of protection, of rest, in God’s sanctuary. There is a similar image drawn in Qoheleth’s experience. Like wisdom, God prevails for the weakened soul. Both wisdom and God’s protection are shelters and ‘preserve the life of their possessor.’[3] And wisdom suggests the way forward. Rely fully on God. Get understanding in this.
This prayer is as much a prayer of faith in the Higher Power, which acknowledges we have meagre strength of our own, as anything. The psalmist is at the end of his tether in verse 2. He can’t withstand more than this.[2] He seeks the power of protection, of rest, in God’s sanctuary. There is a similar image drawn in Qoheleth’s experience. Like wisdom, God prevails for the weakened soul. Both wisdom and God’s protection are shelters and ‘preserve the life of their possessor.’[3] And wisdom suggests the way forward. Rely fully on God. Get understanding in this.
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For those tired and weary, and they who search also for God, shall be refreshed.[4] He is the Great Defender of the weak. He fights divinely in ways the whole world cannot fathom. Suddenly, at the least predictable moment, the weak prevail, much the anguish of the oppressor. And it is justice that triumphs. God is no respecter of persons -- his laws apply equally to all, though many do not see. It is only through eyes of faith we can see.
For those tired and weary, and they who search also for God, shall be refreshed.[4] He is the Great Defender of the weak. He fights divinely in ways the whole world cannot fathom. Suddenly, at the least predictable moment, the weak prevail, much the anguish of the oppressor. And it is justice that triumphs. God is no respecter of persons -- his laws apply equally to all, though many do not see. It is only through eyes of faith we can see.
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This is great news for anyone who cannot resolve their problems with a substance; the one who has resolved to fight with only the resources God has truly given. For many in the world settle for a crutch to deal with their issues and refuse to go to their true Lord. (For we all have "Lords.")
This is great news for anyone who cannot resolve their problems with a substance; the one who has resolved to fight with only the resources God has truly given. For many in the world settle for a crutch to deal with their issues and refuse to go to their true Lord. (For we all have "Lords.")
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Our Strong Tower is Yahweh. He is Jesus. He hears and he responds. He is The Way; the only true way. Nothing can stand against this God. He is God after all.
Our Strong Tower is Yahweh. He is Jesus. He hears and he responds. He is The Way; the only true way. Nothing can stand against this God. He is God after all.
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If you have problems, settle them the wholesome way. It’s the only way it works perfectly. God’s sovereign Spirit to anoint -- your hands will have the power to do it, whatever it may be. Have faith and hope and trust in the Lord. Don’t choose the god of alcohol or drugs or any other thing. Go to God and pray.
If you have problems, settle them the wholesome way. It’s the only way it works perfectly. God’s sovereign Spirit to anoint -- your hands will have the power to do it, whatever it may be. Have faith and hope and trust in the Lord. Don’t choose the god of alcohol or drugs or any other thing. Go to God and pray.
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Copyright © 2008, Steven John Wickham. All Rights Reserved Worldwide.
Copyright © 2008, Steven John Wickham. All Rights Reserved Worldwide.
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