There is so much hurt in the world today and that should seem strange for those who believe in the righteousness of man. The modern world has never had more opportunity for man-made happiness than any time in history. Technology makes life faster, we have a pill for almost every ailment, and all the psychoanalysis the mind has ever contemplated.
And yet…we are miserable.
How is that? How is it that as we begin to close the chapter on the first decade of the 21st Century that mankind is more miserable than anytime in history. Simple. We are seeking restoration in all the wrong places. As the old Johnny Lee song “Looking For Love (In All The Wrong Places)†says:
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Looking for love in all the wrong places.
Looking for love in too many faces.
Searching their eyes, looking for traces
Of what I’m dreaming of.
Johnny finally found a friend and lover in the woman of his dreams, and while my beloved Karen has won my heart, both her and I know where to turn when we are hurting. We did so when we were alone before we were married and we do so now. We do as King David did, we cry out to God:
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“Bow down Your ear, O LORD, hear me; for I am poor and needy. Preserve my life, for I am holy; You are my God; save Your servant who trusts in You! Be merciful to me, O Lord, for I cry to You all day long. Rejoice the soul of Your servant, for to You, O Lord, I lift up my soul. For You, Lord, are good, and ready to forgive, and abundant in mercy to all those who call upon You.†(Psalm 86:1-5)
Some days it feels as though I cry out to God all day long and then I realize if it was good enough for King David then it is good enough for this David. It is not a sign of weakness to be running and crying to God when life is too tough; Jesus invited us to not only come to Him but to WEAR Him!
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“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.†(Matthew 11:28-30)
Why would Jesus make us take on a yoke if the Pharisees had yoked the Jews to legalism? Because Jesus’ yoke is easy. This is a term a tailor would use; it means well-fitted. Whatever God wants you to do for Him will bring joy and fulfillment in life. Jesus said for me to come to Him because in Him, in salvation and sanctification, I can find rest for my weary soul.
I need to cry out to God in times of hardship; I need to pour out my needs and desires, hurts and sorrow…I need to run to Jesus.
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“Hear my prayer, O LORD, and let my cry come to You.†(Psalm 102:1)
I have no idea why God had me write this; I just feel such a heavy burden for so many people I know and love who are hurting right now, many who are reading this right now.
Run to Jesus my beloved.
Do not avoid crying to God. Do not let the devil, the wicked accuser, make you feel guilty because you are weak and use “religion†as a crutch. You are weak and when we are wounded we need a crutch to walk.
Run to Jesus.
Cry out to God.
Pick up your Bible and swim in the mercy waters of the Psalms and Proverbs. Read of His lovingkindness in the Gospel of John. Be amazed by His creativity and providence at the very beginning in the Book of Genesis.
Go to Him, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and He will give you rest. Take His yoke upon you and learn from Him, for He is gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For His yoke is easy and His burden is light.
Do you see the wonderful promise, protection, and provision that Jesus is?
Run to Jesus right now, all today, and this weekend.
And as you find yourself at the throne of grace, please remember to worship Him in His house with His people.
Please remember to go to church on Sunday.
Love In Christ
Dave
Ps. 37:4
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Copyright © 2009 David Jeffers
Tags
Bible, Christianity, Corruption, Culture, Military, Prayer, Revival, Sin