The Daily Guide
Rising above circumstances
The wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God...receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.
James 1:21 - NKJV
Distress is what the soul experiences when circumstances seem disastrous. You know how worked up your soul gets when it's distressed. In distress, you get so agitated you can't wait on things to work out, you want it sorted out this instant. The danger is that this leads you into actions that come under the category "the wrath of man". This is not the way to go and the scripture above gives you an alternative. For an example of living in that alternative consider David the king and psalmist.
There was one particular incident in David's life when his distress was extreme indeed. This distress was understandable for his family had been abducted and his men spoke of stoning him. How could he deal with this? He did so by encouraging himself in the Lord. He thought up his covenant relationship with God and pondered the Lord's faithfulness. David spent time rehearsing to himself God's promises. He also poured out his distress with prayer and thanksgiving. Together this brought his soul to rest. In this rest he was able to ask the Lord how to deal with the situation he faced. And he was able to receive God's answer. 1Sam.30:1-8.
Is there a distressing situation in your life at the moment? Like David, encourage yourself in the Lord! Rehearse to yourself God's promises. Hear His Word speaking to your heart. Embrace it. Then with thanksgiving pour out your heart's distress to God. As you do let drop any intention to sort things out according to your natural inclination. Your soul by this will find release. You will be made ready to act according to God's leading. Phil.4:6-7.
God's word in you can rescue you
Copyright © 2009 P.F.(Simon)Measures
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