No More Pain

I am getting older and my body reminds me of that fact every day. Every day seems to bring a new pain. I am thankful that, so far, it hasn’t been anything significant. My pains are more annoying than worrisome. Yet, they do remind me of my weaknesses and brokenness. God wants to heal all brokenness in a world consumed in brokenness.

Revelation 21:3-4 says, “And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” Our world is consumed with brokenness today. Wars, disease, pain, broken relationships, anger, hopelessness, fear, and tears seem to be everywhere. God dwells with men, understands our pain, and wants to heal all this brokenness. Those who believe in Jesus and trust Him for salvation and redemption will experience healing in their lives today and ultimate healing in heaven, where all tears, death, mourning, crying and pain will be taken away by God.

Show Up

When the plumbing breaks, you call a repairman and expect him to show up on time. When you schedule an meeting, you expect the participants to show up on time and ready to participate. Then, why do we have trouble believing that Jesus will show up when we have a need and ask Him to help?

Mark 5:41-42 records that Jesus healed a young girl, bringing her back to life from the dead; “Taking her by the hand he said to her, ‘Talitha cumi,” which means, ‘Little girl, I say to you, arise.’ And immediately the girl got up and began walking (for she was twelve years of age), and they were immediately overcome with amazement.” When we have a need, we should expect Jesus to show up, like Jesus did for this girl. Then our responsibility is to arise and do what Jesus tells us to do, like the girl did when Jesus spoke to her.

Earning Rewards

Sometimes we are presented with the opportunity to earn rewards. We put in significant effort and time to do what is required, only to find out it was not enough and we don’t receive the reward. It can be devastating and is always discouraging, sometimes to the point of not wanting to try again.

Psalm 24:3-5 says, “Who shall ascend the hill of the Lord? And who shall stand in his holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart, and who does not lift up his soul to what is false and does not swear deceitfully. He will receive blessing from the Lord, and righteousness from the God of his salvation.” A pure heart and hands cleansed from all sin are necessary to stand in the presence of God. We cannot achieve these attributes on our own, but must trust in the cleansing sacrifice of Jesus and live in righteousness by the power of His Spirit.

Safe and Secure

I have often worked on disaster recovery projects that require us to remove large and heavy objects. Many seem to be immovable. Large motorized equipment is necessary in those instances. This reminds me of Yosemite National Park. I have walked many of the trails and been awestruck by the mountains. Surrounded by the mountains I became enthralled with the beautiful view of majestic strength and security.

Psalm 125:1-2 Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion, which cannot be moved, but abides forever. As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the Lord surrounds his people, from this time forth and forevermore.” Those who trust in the Lord should have great confidence and security. After all, God surrounds us so that we are protected and immovable from His grace and mercy. He surrounds us with incomparable majesty and strength.

Problems, Big and Small

Right now, I am experiencing a series of medical issues. Most are small and not life threatening, while a couple problems are more serious. Some days, it is harder than others to deal with the practical considerations of these issues. And sometimes, I drop my head in discouragement. But when I do that, my eyes and my focus become self-centered. I need to lift my eyes and gaze upon the beauty of my Creator. He is my everpresent help.

Psalm 121:1-2 says, “I lift my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.” Even when we face life changing problems, we can trust that our help will come from the Lord. Keep looking up and faithfully wait for Jesus to come with the help you need.