|
Our society has become largely
“secular”. So many people live from day to day with no thought of God.
Apparently, they do not see that they need Him. They see everything that
makes life possible and enjoyable as the fruit of their own labor and not
as a blessing from God. So they take no thought before a meal or at any
time throughout the day to thank Him, much less do they have any interest
in taking the time to assemble with others to worship and praise Him.
What about you, do you
realize that you cannot live without God any more than a baby can live
without the assistance of his/her parents? When a baby is born into this
world, he/she needs the constant care of his/her parents 24 hours a day, 7
days a week. Babies are totally dependent on their parents for life
itself. Do babies recognize that they have such a desperate need for
their parents? No. Do they appreciate what is being done for them and
thank their parents for taking care of them? No. How do children come to
understand their need for their parents enough to say, “Thank you.”? As
they grow up, they learn about their need and are moved to express their
appreciation.
All men need the constant care of God 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. All
men are totally dependent on God for life itself. Do all men recognize
that they need God? No. So, do all men appreciate what is being done for
them and thank God for taking care of them? No. Why is it that some men
understand and appreciate their need for God enough to say, “Thank you.”?
They have “grown up” spiritually as they have studied
the Scriptures. They have come to
understand their total dependence on |
|
God and have been moved to express
their appreciation.
God “gives to all life and
breath and all things.” In Him, men “live, move and exist” (Acts 17:25,
28). He provides evidence of His existence to men who do not recognize
Him as the Source of life and all of its blessings and who return no
thanksgiving to Him for them. He blesses them with rains from heaven and
fruitful seasons. He not only meets their needs, but in doing so gives
them satisfaction and gladness (Acts 14:14-17). His love for all mankind
is seen in that He “causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and
sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.” (Mt 5:45).
You cannot live without the
“Father of lights”, that is, the One who made the Sun, the moon, and the
stars. The One who created the heavenly lights is the giver of every good
and perfect gift (Js 1:17). He richly supplies you with all things to
enjoy (1 Tim 6:16).
If you have been living your life in
just a “secular” way, with no thought of God and your need for Him,
please realize that you need Him as desperately as babies need their
parents and begin expressing your appreciation to him by you own private
thanksgiving and by taking the time to gather with others for public
assemblies of praise:
“Enter His gates
with thanksgiving, and His courts with praise. Give thanks to Him, bless
His name.” (Ps 100:4). |
|
As we continue to read the Scriptures,
we find out that, not only does God provide us with life, He knows us very
well and is interested in our welfare. He watches over His creation so
closely that He even notices if a sparrow falls to the ground. How well
does He know you and I? He even knows the number of hairs on our head.
(Mt 10:29-31) To think that God thinks of you- that God thinks of me-
Wow!!
So, as we go through the
troubles and trials of life, where can we turn to for help? Is there any
help beyond that of our family and friends- any help beyond the help of
those who have feet of clay like us, who are overwhelmed themselves at
times with the struggles of life? The songwriter J.B. Coats said it well
in the familiar hymn, “Neighbors are kind, I love them every one, We get
along in sweet accord; But when my soul needs manna from above, Where
could I go but to the Lord?”
David wrote, “Our help is in the name of the Lord who made the heaven and
earth.” (Ps 124:8). Who else has that kind of power? What an awesome
thought that the power of the One who created the universe is ours to rely
on when our own strength fails in the middle of trying circumstances.
David said of his trust in God, “My soul wait in silence for God only, for
my hope is from Him. He only is my rock and my salvation, My stronghold;
I shall not be shaken. On God my salvation and
my glory rest; The |
|
rock of my strength, my refuge is in
God. Trust in Him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before Him;
God is a refuge for us.” (Ps 62:5-8).
Especially comforting to us
is the fact that there is One is heaven who can sympathize with our
problems because He lived here on earth Himself- Jesus. He understands
and cares about whatever we are going through. He tells us to “draw near
with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and
find grace to help in time of need.” (Heb 4:14-16)
But, the help of God and of
His Son Jesus cannot be requested by just anyone. Once again we quote
from David, “The Lord is near to all who call upon Him, to all who call
upon Him in truth. He will fulfill the desire of those who fear
Him; He will also hear their cry and He will save them. The Lord keeps
all who love Him, but all the wicked He will destroy.” (Ps
145:18-20). Men must live in a way that shows respect for God and pleases
Him in order to expect His help.
You need the help of God.
The troubles of life are too great for you to endure by yourself or to
endure with only the help of your human companions. You need to study the
Scriptures to see how that you can put yourself in a good relationship
with God so that you can appeal in prayer to your All-Powerful,
Ever-Caring, Creator. If we can help you establish this relationship,
please get in touch with us. |
