A Hurting Word...
Stress--it happens to kids, teens, singles, parents, retirees--everyone, except dead people, that is! For stress is a part of our world--if you've got it, be glad--you're ALIVE! That's the good news--the bad news? You've got it till you die! Now unless you plan on dying this minute, and since you know it's not going away, maybe you better hang around the Well, and find out how to deal with it. Matter of fact, I'm hanging around too, just to see what I say!
You see, I was stressed out this week. Well, I'm stressed out every week...grin...but the middle of the week saw me on the edge of the world, on the edge of tears, AND on the edge of everyone else's nerves! I'm human, too, like the rest of you--and guess what? The devil knows it too. But so does the Lord--and He moved in, turned it around, and gave me a devotional for YOU!! Especially for those of you serving the Lord in a ministry capacity--and if we are true Christians, aren't we all?
Well, (an appropriate word, by the way!) in the middle of the muddle, where I often find myself, I began to realize I was not alone--people in the Bible who served God got stressed out too. We think of God's servants as mighty men and women of God--and they were--but they were also real-life, flesh-and-blood people with feelings, emotions--and stresses! Let's sit at the Well and watch them parade (or drag!) by, these S.O.S. (stressed-out servants) of the Lord!
A Helping Word...or Two!
Stressed Out with Depression?...You're not alone, for here comes Elijah, headed for the juniper tree! Jezebel is after him and the mighty man of God, who has just successfully challenged the prophets of Baal, is scared to death. Tired, exhausted, depressed, he climbs into bed, curls up under the covers--covers his head with a quilt, and says, "Please, leave me alone, and just let me die!" Not quite--but almost! You know the story! Elijah finds refuge under the old juniper tree, and falls asleep. But "while he is sleeping," God is watching and ready to reveal His love to a depressed prophet. "Touched by an angel," he arises, with new strength to serve his Lord.
God--who loves His stressed-out servants--knew just what Elijah needed. And He knows exactly what you and I need too! Rest for the tired body, sleep for the weary mind, food for the soul--not chicken soup, something better--angel food! God will not forget His servants--He will take care of them--never forget it! Now go get ready for the rest God is about to send--God's heard your S.O.S. and rest is on its way!
"The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures; he leadeth me beside the still waters (Psalm 23: 1,2 KJV)."
Stressed Out with Discouragement?..You're not alone--for here comes David--man of God, giant-killer, leader of Israel--and he's singing a sad song. Tired of the constant oppression of the enemy, weary of evil men and kings, his once joyful harp plays a mournful tune. "How long wilt thou forget me, O Lord? Forever? (Psalm 13:1 KJV)," or "Save me, O God; for the waters are come in unto my soul. I sink in deep mire, where there is no standing; I am come into deep waters...I am weary... (Psalm 69:1-3 KJV)." Not the kind of songs for clapping and dancing, for sure!
But God--who loves His stressed-out servants--knew just what David needed. David needed a song for the soul--a song of joy, deliverance, delight. And God gave it to him! Read Psalm 34, Psalm 46, Psalm 63, and you will know God gave him the song! And He has a song for you too--even in the night, His praises can well up within your heart--a song of joy, deliverance, and delight, awaits you. For God will not forget His servants--He will take care of them--never forget it! Now go get ready for the song God is about to give you--He's heard your S.O.S. and a song is on its way!
"And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God...(Psalm 40:3 KJV)."
Stressed Out with Doubt?...You're not alone, for here comes John the Baptist--fire-and-brimstone evangelist, forerunner of the Christ--languishing in prison, far from the flame, doubting his Lord! "Art thou he that should come, or do we look for another (Matthew 11:3 KJV)?" John, mighty man of faith, filled with doubt, unbelief, and a broken spirit. A man's body may break and cause distress, but a broken spirit cannot be described, only felt. Ever been there? Ever experienced a time when you doubted the One you loved? Doubted His Words? Doubted His very existence? John was there--and it was a night darker than any dungeon, for sure!
But God--who loves His stressed-out servants--knew just what John the Baptist needed. He needed a Word for his spirit--a word of life, hope, faith. Jesus said, "Go tell John how I healed the blind, the lame, and the deaf; remind him of My mighty words and deeds!" John needed God's powerful Word to bring faith to his doubtful spirit. And God knows just the Word that you and I need too. How many times has the Lord faithfully ministered to you the exact portion of Scripture you needed? God will not forget His servants--whatever prison they are in. He will take care of them--never forget it! Now go get ready for the Good News He is about to send you--He's heard your S.O.S. and His Word is on its way!
"He sent his word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions (Psalm 107:20 KJV)."
Are you a stressed-out servant? Then know God loves you--He has rest for your body, a song for your soul; a Word for your spirit. You are His Child--the ministry you've given to many a sheep is now given to you, by the Chief Shepherd of the flock--He will restore your soul; anoint your head with oil; and bring you through the valley to praise His Name!
And that's just a word or two--from my heart to yours!
His Healing Word
"...Thou art my servant; I have chosen thee, and not cast thee away. Fear thou not; for I am with thee. Be not dismayed; for I am thy God. I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my rightousness (Isaiah 41:9,10 KJV)."
"Lord, the battles rage, and I am stressed-out--depressed, discouraged, full of doubt--and ready to call it quits! Hear my cry--send help, Lord! I need rest for my body, a song for my soul, your Word for my spirit--I need YOU or I perish! Help me know and feel Your divine love in my life this week! In Jesus' Name, Amen."
