Lean on Me as you face the circumstances of this day. Whether or not they realize it, all people lean on —depend on —something: physical strength, intelligence, beauty, wealth, achievements, family, friends, and so on. All of these are gifts from Me, to be enjoyed gratefully. However, relying on any of these things is risky because every one of them can let you down.
When your circumstances are challenging and you are feeling weak, you tend to obsess about how you are going to make it through the day. This wastes a lot of time and energy; it also distracts you from Me. Whenever this happens, ask Me to open your eyes so you can find Me in the moment. “See” Me standing nearby, with My strong arm extended toward you —offering you My help. Don’t try to pretend that you have it all together or that you’re stronger than you really are. Instead, lean hard on Me, letting Me bear most of your weight and help you with your problems.
Rejoice in Me —your Strength—and worship while leaning on Me.
A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.—Proverbs 18:24
But I will sing of Your strength, in the morning I will sing of Your love; for You are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble. O my Strength, I sing praise to You; You, O God, are my fortress, my loving God. —Psalm 59:16-17
By faith Jacob, when he was dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph, and worshiped, leaning on the top of his staff.—Hebrews 11:21 NKJV
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When anxiety is great within you, turn to Me for consolation. Other words for “consolation” are comfort, compassion, empathy, help, encouragement, reassurance, and relief. I gladly provide all of this —and much more —for My children. Yet your natural tendency when you’re feeling anxious is to focus on yourself or your problems. The more you do this, the more you forget about Me and all the help I can supply. This worldly focus only increases your anxiety! Let the discomfort you feel at such times alert you to your neglect of Me. Whisper My Name, and invite Me into your difficulties.
Seek My Face, finding comfort in My compassion and empathy.
Look to Me for encouragement, reassurance, and help. I know all about your problems, and I also know the best way to deal with them. As you relax in My loving Presence, I strengthen you and provide relief from your anxiety. I reassure you that nothing in all creation can separate you from My Love. My consolation is full of blessings, beloved; it brings Joy to your soul.
When anxiety was great within me, Your consolation brought joy to my soul.
—Psalm 94:19
When You said, “Seek My face,” My heart said to You, “Your face, Lord, I will seek.” —Psalm 27:8 NKJV
For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. —Romans 8:38-39
Excerpted from Jesus Calling for Moms by Sarah Young, copyright Sarah Young.
Every day may be filled with challenges, problems, busyness, and troubles. In everything we face, God invites us to lean on Him and His strength to endure, to be encouraged, and to thrive. We are to seek Him and find joy in Him!
Pastor Dale