The Encouraging Voice
Have you ever asked the question, 'Who can I turn to for help?' I'm sure many have.
The daily concerns of life (relationships, jobs, health, etc.) make it easy to
ask that question. We often look for the answer in the strangest places,
yet we never consider the most obvious answer; God. He has everything we
need to help us in life, no matter the nature of the dilemma.
Psalm 23, probably the most commonly quoted
scripture in the bible, begins "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall
not want." Sometimes I think individuals don't realize the wonderful
truth of this scripture. If we rely on the Lord, we won't want for anything,
because He supplies all our needs. Though there may be skepticism about
this simple truth, be encouraged; there are three powerful facts (among
many in the bible) that enforce that truth.
First, there's God's unconditional love
for us. John 3:16 says, "For God so loved the world that He gave
His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish,
but have everlasting life." God loved the whole world so much, He
gave His only Son. What a tremendous demonstration of true love; It's
unselfish because it's giving. And He gave His only Son - a sacrifice
for sin for everyone past, present, and future, enabling all "who
believeth in Him" everlasting life. In Romans 8:39, He solidifies
that love; "Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall
be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus
our Lord." There's no greater comfort than knowing we have access
to a God who loves us so much, and nothing can separate us from that
love.
Secondly, God is with us at all times. Hebrews
4:13 tells us "Neither is there any creature that is not manifest
in His sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of Him..."
This verse shows God's omniscience - His knowledge of absolutely everything.
In Matthew 28:20, it says, "...I am with you always, even unto the
end of the world." This demonstrates God's omnipresence - God being
everywhere all the time. Take comfort and solace in the fact that God
knows where you are, what you're doing, and is with you at all times.
If there's a trial in your life, He is already aware of it.
Thirdly, God is our protector and defender.
This fact is beautifully illustrated in Ephesians 6:11-18, which I strongly
encourage all to read. It speaks of beginning in verse 11, putting "on
the whole armor of God." Reading that scripture further, it explains
the problems you battle (verse 12), what God supplies for your battle
(verses 14, 15), and what God supplies as protection in your life (verses
16, 17). In verse 18, it ends appropriately; "praying always with
all prayer and supplication in spirit..." This states plainly all
the power supplied by God comes from a relationship with Him. Once we
have a relationship with Him, through scripture and prayer we allow Him
to protect and defend us.
Who can you turn to for help? A God that
loves you. A God that is with you always. A God that protects and defends
you. When you believe in God's promises through faith in Jesus Christ,
you tap into a wonderful source of strength, resolve, and comfort. Psalm
46:1 says "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in
trouble." How wonderful is that promise? Who can you turn to for
help? Be encouraged, you can turn to God.
Suggested scripture for encouragement:
Psalm 23, Psalm 27, Philippians 4:6-13, 1 Corinthians 10:13
Any questions, suggestions, and/or comments send email to Esesrs@bluefrog.com
Written by Eric and Edith Smith
Issue 1
