Florida Mass Choir performs “Battle-Axe.” (If video does not immediately appear, refresh your browser.)
When I was a child, I had a plaque given to me as a reward for excellence in memorizing Bible verses. The plaque said “casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7, NKJV) I would look up at the shiny wood plaque and run my fingers across the flowers painted on it, wondering what “cares” meant.
Things we care about, like the welfare and life-events of family members, jobs, education, finances, natural disasters, and wars at home and abroad, can take up more than their fair share of our limited mental and emotional real estate. When we handle our cares in our own strength, the effort required can turn cares into bona fide distractions.
Don’t Let Cares Distract You
Distractions are dangerous because they carry you away from God. He is our rock and refuge in times of trouble, so when questions, troubles, and problems come, the safest thing to do is to seek shelter from Almighty God. Like the song says: “He’s my rock, my Sword my Shield. He’s my wheel. He’s my wheel in the middle of a wheel.”
Dealing with our cares requires wisdom and direction. Only God who knows all, has enough wisdom and power to deal with the simple and complex cares of life. We are to trust the Lord with the small and the big stuff in our lives, because He cares for us. The word “cares” means we are “of importance” and we “matter to” Him. There is nothing that concerns us that is too small or too big for our God to handle.
Run Tell Dat Ummm…to God
When trouble comes, some believers run to tell family members, friends, and/or trusted advisors. Trusting people has its limits: The people you trust may or may not deserve your trust. As well-meaning as they might be, they are not the one who is “mighty to save.” The first person you should share any concern with is God. Prayer is first line of defense when dealing with the problems of this world.
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego (Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah) (1863 painting by Simeon Solomon) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
The Lord is with us in the fires of life like He was in the fiery furnace with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. He’s with us when the lions of this world threaten to destroy us, like He stood with Daniel in the lion’s den. He’s with us when deep waters roll over our heads like He was with Jonah when the whale swallowed him. The Lord is with us in death, like He was with Lazarus, and in life like when Jesus rose from the dead as the first-born of the resurrection. Our God never fails. He “doeth all things well” (Mark 7:37).
Trouble. Who Wants It?
Being a Christian isn’t a ticket to a trouble-free life. Problems both great and small dog the footsteps of the righteous and unrighteous alike, regardless of age, race, sex, or socioeconomic status.
Our God is more than the God of band aids and a few stitches. He is a “Man of war” Who comes wielding a battle-axe that destroys our enemies. Like Jeremiah 51:20 says: Thou art my battle-axe and weapons of war: for with thee will I break in pieces the nations, and with thee will I destroy kingdoms. That’s some strong stuff!
Having Done All…Stand!
When challenges seem overwhelming, remember that the Lord fights our battles. 2 Chronicles 20:17 (KJV) tells us:
Daniel’s Answer to the King (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Ye shall not need to fight in this battle: set yourselves, stand ye still, and see the salvation of the Lord with you, O Judah and Jerusalem: fear not, nor be dismayed; to-morrow go out against them: for the Lord will be with you.
Even before trouble comes, put on the whole armor of God and do what the Lord instructs you to do according to Ephesians 6:13 (KJV):
Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
When was the last time you stood still and saw the salvation of the Lord? Make a list of things will you trust the Lord to help you with today and use it as a reminder for prayer and praise!
Until next time, “Be strong in the Lord and the power of His might!”
Your friend in Christ,
Verneda
© 2014 Verneda Lights
“Battle-Axe” performed by Florida Mass Choir, was Uploaded, on Youtube.com Nov 2, 2010. Florida Mass Choir – “He’s A Battle Axe” is available at www.malaco.com or by calling 1-800-272-7936. Verneda Lights and E-graphX Omnimedia have no ownership in this video. It is used or educational purposes only.
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