Thoughts from The Bible – 01/08/20

Thoughts from the Bible

Friday, 31 January 2020 13:14

Let go and let God “Be Still And Know That I Am God” (Psalms 46:10). When I was a very small boy, I think seven years old, I climbed a tree so high that I got scared and could not get down. I’m sure if I looked at that same tree today it would not have been so very tall at all, but to a seven-year-old everything seems bigger than life. I remember calling for my dad to come help me, which he always did when I called, and still does when any of his 5 children call. He instructed me to swing down on the branch and turn loose and he would catch me. Gulp! But with his reassurance that he could do it, I took the plunge. What a relief it was to feel those strong hands grab me and safely set me down on the ground. It was hard to turn loose, but letting go meant being rescued. Another time I was at an old swimming hole which was reputed as “having no bottom.” That’s one of those descriptions that can’t be true but surely adds a lot of excitement to meeting the challenge of swimming there. Only problem, I couldn’t swim at seven years old. When I fell in over my head with eyes wide open, I could see all around me through the nearly clear water, and I felt myself sinking helplessly. I didn’t have a clue how to begin my way back up. Still sinking, suddenly I felt something grab my floating hair and I began to rise. Dad had seen me go in and had come in behind me. I was lifted by his strong grasp right up to safety. Had I fought back and resisted I might well not be here writing this thought today. I’ve learned over and over in my few years that there are times when we simply have to turn loose and trust others. My natural instinct is to try and do it by myself. Years of experiences tell me to turn loose, let go and let God take control of my life. Whether I’m in the face of conflict or fighting discouragement within, the Psalmist’s words remind me to lean on the mighty hand of God. “Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance” (Psalms 42:5). Psa 46:1-3, 9-11 – “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof . . .He maketh wars to cease unto the end of the earth; he breaketh the bow, and cutteth the spear in sunder; he burneth the chariot in the fire. Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth. The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.” I find it impossible to sing hymns such as “How Great Thou Art,” “My God And I,” “Unto Thee O Lord,” “As The Deer,” “It Is Well With My Soul,” without being stirred to a greater love and appreciation for a loving and Heavenly Father who will be there for me no matter what life serves. Friend, he’ll be there for you, too if you will commit your life to the Lord Jesus Christ. What a blessing you miss if you try to do it alone! The author can be reached for comments at 256-574-2489