Friday, January 29, 2016
Throughout the years, I have encountered many children of God expressing their fear of dying and leaving their families behind without the help and support they need in order to survive in this world. Because it is a basic human concern, like many of you, I have these thoughts myself from time to time. Quickly, though, the Lord reminds me that it is He who has always provided and watched over all of us, parents and children included. Now, whenever one of our members comes to me expressing that fear, I do my best to encourage them with the truth that the Lord will continue to care and provide for our children long after we are gone, just like He did when we were here..
In Psalm 127, David reminded his son, Solomon, of this same truth, that he could always count on the Lord’s faithful provision for all His children. In verse 2, he wrote: “In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat— for he grants sleep to those He loves” He was referring to those who lie awake at night wondering if they will be able to provide for their own, losing out on the restful and refreshing night’s sleep the Lord provides for us all. Those who know and trust God, on the other hand, know that they can go to sleep at night fully assured that He is ever watching over them and their families, and that He will provide for them the next day. Staying up at night and worrying will not change a thing. Because he had this type of confidence in his God, David also wrote: “In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety.” (Psalm 4:8)
Some of us often stay awake until the early morning hours but it is not always because of worry, and when we do stay awake while the rest of the world sleeps, we take advantage of it and spend hours of sweet fellowship with the Lord. If worry is the reason you lose sleep at night, however, ask God to give you the type of faith in Him that will allow you to get all the restful sleep you need. He is faithful. He will help you. Later on, when you just want to stay up to have a lengthy quiet time with Him, He will answer that prayer too.
Memory verse for the week: (Matthew 5:16) “let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
