WE NEED A LIFT
WE NEED A LIFT
The world can be a mean place. When we survey its landscape, we are all too familiar with the complications, sadness, degradation, dishonesty and immorality that so often inundates us. All too often as Christians we are challenged everyday with its temptations. I have often said, God did not make the Christian life hard. We are told that His commandments are not burdensome (1 John 5: 3). So, what is the problem? The devil is not going to make it easy! We are in the fight of our lives! But we must remember, we are fighting a defeated foe! And depending on our degree of spirituality, will determine our victories or defeat from our great tempter.
If we look back at our lives, we can all agree there has been great and difficult challenges. Perhaps in the present, you are experiencing this very thing. It is called life! And as long as we sojourn on these earthly shores, we can expect the same thing! This life does not promise nor can it give us a utopia. We have lived long enough to know this is the case. So why do we pursue that which is not? Why are our expectations grounded in changing the unchangeable? Have we not figured it out that this is just a temporary stop? God’s best for us is not here on this earth. Let me suggest to us when we desperately try to redefine our purpose in this life and create a narrative that was never intended for us, we at that point create immeasurable frustration. Is this your case dear reader? Are you sick and tired of the frustration? I would answer in the affirmative! What we all need is something more than the promises from this world; something more than the ebb and flow of expectations: WE NEED A LIFT!
In Psalms 43: 5, the psalmist asks a question, gives the answer and proclaims his confidence. It is one that deserves our most intimate attention. It can change the perspective of our lives going forward. It is all-encompassing as a solution to our struggle. Let’s delve into it!
“Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God”
Why I am Sad—The Question
Much of what we have said already answers the question that is asked. The psalmist informs us of the reality of our pressing circumstances. It seems he had a little talk with himself! We need to do the same! We need to put it in the forefront of what is the problem. Why are you sad? Why are you in turmoil? Whatever it is bothering us, we need to boldly, openly, and honestly call it by name! Is it financial? Is it relational? Is it social? Is it my job? Is it my children? Is it some tragedy? Let us fetch it out in the open! But don’t stop there!
Why I Am Safe—The Answer
The psalmist gives the answer! Hope in God! Is this cliché? This is as real as it gets! The problem is it is known on our lips but not lived in our hearts! Do you need a lift? Hope in God my friend! Biblical hope is defined as desire plus expectation. This is our only way out! But what do we do? We hope in getting a loan from the bank. We hope in the boss to recognize our efforts. We hope in doctors and their competence for our cures. We hope in friends and family for the solutions to our problems. If we are hoping in any and everything except God, we are hoping in the wrong thing! I read where God made a promise! Let me remind you of it! He said: “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose” (Romans 8: 28). We often sing the song: “My hope is built on nothing less, than Jesus’ love and righteousness; I dare not trust the sweetest frame; but holy lean on Jesus name; on Christ the solid rock I stand; all other ground is sinking sand; all other ground is sinking sand.” This is the hope we have in our God! Do you have this hope my friend? Are you robbing yourself of this hope because your hope has been misplaced! I encourage you today, put your hope in God!
Why I Am Sure—The Confidence
After the psalmist asks the question and gives the answer, he then exudes his confidence about the matter. Without hesitation, he exclaims, “I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God.” When we are right with God, we are right! That is, everything is right! Have you heard it said, “everything is going to be alright?” I have said that on numerous occasions myself. But this is faulty. It is not going to be alright; it is already alright! God is working it out! And as long as I know He is, it is alright! I shall again praise him! Say it with me! I shall again praise him! Why? Because God is my salvation and my God! When we make God the one solitary advocate of our lives, we can conclude life’s issues just like the psalmist! I encourage you do so hurriedly!
When the problems of life beckon on; when the situation seems hopeless; when pressures of the day are mounting, let’s not run in despair, but be in constant reminder: WE NEED A LIFT!
~Stacey Mobley