Depending Upon Ourselves
Lea Sylvester
A casual observation of
the news headlines any day of the week can
cause a
person to feel overwhelmed. It seems
as if “everything” is coming at us from
every direction at the same time. As a
Christian, we are to be ever-watchful;
putting our faith and trust in the Lord. The
times in which we live are evil and wicked.
The changes in our society are enough to not
only cause us to feel overwhelmed, but also
surrounded and helpless at times.
Neverfear! We have the
blessed assurance that come what may, we
need only look to our Lord. If we are
absorbed with every news story (which all
seem to be “bad” or “worse” or “even worse
than we imagined”) that comes across the
news in whatever form we might receive it,
are we focusing on God? Of course, we are
not to put our heads in the sand and act as
if nothing is wrong. Everything seems to be
wrong!
But, these are the times which will
separate the “men from the boys,”so to
speak.
To begin with, perhaps
we need to be reminded that we were not
given the spirit of fear. II Timothy 1:7
tells us, “For God hath not given us the
spirit of fear; but of power, and of love,
and of a sound mind.” We have all the
“tools” we need in order to keep our proper
perspective of this life.
This scripture tells us
that instead of fearing [anything], we have
other ways to deal with situations. We look
at anything through God's Word, and we see
that we have no reason to fear in any
situation.
What is fear?
Fear is defined
as:
a distressing emotion aroused by impending danger, evil, pain, etc., whether the threat is real orimagined; the feeling or condition of being afraid, concern or anxiety.
So, the opposite of
fear would be
courage, security
or calm. Fear is the opposite of confidence.
The enemy uses many methods to cause us to
pause or to stumble.
When we see events unfolding in this
world and we becom worried, have concern, or
otherwise let our minds dwell on what we
see, we are
distracted from God. This may cause
us to waver, to get out of sync with God. It
leaves us vulnerable. We are not to be
afraid nor to fear, nor be concerned to the
point that we are driven to distraction over
anything.
It is when we try to “understand”
with our wordly eyes or when we try to use
our own strength that we may fall into this
trap.
We must never take our eyes off of
our Lord.
The Apostle Paul tells
us in Romans Chapter 8:
“For ye have not
received the spirit of bondage again to
fear; but ye have received the Spirit of
adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.”
Romans 8:15. We are being assured throughout
Romans 8 of who we are in Christ and these
scriptures are very descriptive and
instructional. They are victorious and
encouraging to us. “Who shall separate us
from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation,
or distress, or persecution, or famine, or
nakedness, or peril, or sword?” Romans 8:35.
Indeed we need to adopt the attitude
displayed or portrayed in these passages of
scripture, particularly as we face the days
ahead. “Nay, in
all these things we are more than conquerors
through him that loved us.
For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor
life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor
powers, nor things present, nor things to
come, Nor height,
nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be
able to separate us from the love of God,
which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans
8:37-39.
We cannot depend upon
our own strength, courage, or worldly
knowledge to face anything-at any time in
our lives. We cannot depend upon man, upon
government, upon society. We can always
depend upon God. “Trust in the Lord with all
thine heart, and lean not unto thine own
understanding.” Proverbs 3:5.
In fact, the Apostle
Paul made a note to the church at Corinth
“...to those who are sanctified in Christ
Jesus, called to be saints, with all who in
every place call on the name of Jesus Christ
our Lord...” I
Corinthians 1:2-3a
NKJV.
Here Paul makes a note
of the fact that in every place they, “call
on the name of Jesus Christ our Lord.” We
are specifically told to be distinct,
separate and different than “the world.” We
are sanctified by Christ, He is our Lord. We
look to Him for all things. In every
situation, call upon the Lord.
The way to live a life
that is set apart for God is not to strive
under our own power, but rather to call on
the name of the Lord in every place and in
every circumstance. Calling on the name of
the Lord denotes a life that is submitted to
and dependent on God's strength and wisdom,
rather than our own. An interesting
byproduct of calling on the name of the Lord
is God's favor (grace), and peace. Peace
speaks of rest, and the absence of strife.
It is a state of untroubled, undisturbed
well being. As we see the unsaved wringing
their hands and hear “the sky is falling,
the sky is falling,” we are at peace. Why?
We know our Heavenly Father. From only Him
comes real hope.
Have you sensed God's
favor on your life? Is your life filled with
rest, and free from strife? If not, it could
be that you are attempting to do things in
your own strength rather than calling on the
name of the Lord in every circumstance and
situation.
Father, we ask You to
help us to call on you in each and every
situation throughout our day. Help us not to
attempt to do things in our own strength.
Help us to look to You for wisdom and
strength in even the seemingly little things
of our day. Create within us a holy
dependence on You. We thank You that as we
do this, Your favor and peace will be upon
us.
What have you been
attempting to handle on your own? Right now,
call on God for His help and wisdom in the
situation. Today, in each and every thing
that you face, call on the Name of the Lord,
and see the difference that His favor and
peace will make in your life.
Let no fear lessen your faith in God.
Rather, let it strengthen you by learning to
depend solely upon Him.