Ever feel like life is too much?
"No one knows my trouble..."
If you've said these words then read on...
About 2 millennia ago, a man wrote these words to describe a person and yet more than a person...
He... "understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do". Some of you may recognize that phrase. You've possibly heard it used to describe Jesus.
What is so amazing about this little phrase is that it gives us a glimpse into the heart of the man who came here from heaven and gave his life so we could have his life in us. In Jesus' most difficult hour we see him on his knees and he is not praying pretty words of a prayer book (not that those are always bad), but instead he is pleading with the father because the road has gotten rough.
Max Lucado, one of my favorite writers, in his book Traveling Light, writes the following...
"How did Jesus endure the terror of the crucifixion? He went first to the Father with his fears. He modeled the words of the Psalmist "When I am afraid, I put my trust in you." (Psalm 56:3 NLT)
Do the same with yours. Don't avoid life's Garden of Gethsemane. Enter them. Just don't enter them alone. And while you are there, be honest. Pounding the ground is permitted. Tears are allowed. And if you sweat blood, you won't be the first. Do what Jesus did; open your heart.
And be specific. Jesus was. "Take this cup," he prayed. Give God the number of the flight. Tell him the length of the speech. Share the details of the job transfer. He has plenty of time. He also has plenty of compassion.
He doesn't think your fears are foolish or silly. He won't tell you to "buck up" or "get tough." He's been where you are. He knows how you feel.
And he knows what you need."
What an awesome idea, "he understands our weaknesses" the ancient writer says. "He's been where you are" is Max's translation.
Both of those ideas give me a glimmer of hope this morning because yesterday was a difficult day with many things vying for my attention and energy...
Glad this morning was a reminder of HIS strength and a clear indication that MY weakness doesn't affect him. Thank you Lord!
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