The thing about the people whose stories we read in the Bible is that we can see how things turned out for them. But at the time, of course, they hadn’t read the end of the story!
We may sometimes think that another person’s journey looks easier than the one we ourselves are on. When we hear a person’s testimony of God’s help in their life it is often after the difficult situation has been resolved and the outcome is known. We don’t so often hear what’s going on when the situation is still in process.
So, let’s write ourselves into one of those stories in the Bible that we know so well.
They’re out of Egypt and in the wilderness when they see Egyptians pursuing them. The sea’s in front, the Egyptians behind and there’s nowhere to hide! How do you feel? Trapped and terrified! “We’d have been better off back in Egypt as slaves than to die here in the wilderness, now!” Moses told them not to be afraid but to stand firm and they would see God’s deliverance! We know the outcome but they didn’t.
Where do you feel your life is being squeezed at the minute? The writers in Psalms talk a lot about being in a difficult place, where there is no one else to help and calling to the Lord.
A few verses express the heart’s cry:
“Do not be far from me, for trouble is near and there is no one to help.” Psalm 22:11 (NIV)
“Hear my prayer, LORD, listen to my cry for help; do not be deaf to my weeping.” Psalm 39:12 (NIV)
Hear my prayer, LORD; let my cry for help come to you. Do not hide your face from me when I am in distress. Turn your ear to me; when I call, answer me quickly. Psalm 102:1-2 (NIV)
Emmanuel, one of Jesus’ names, means God is with us. He has taken on our likeness and knows our human need. Very likely this is not a new idea for any of us but we may need to take time to allow this truth to sink into the core of our being.
God wants to come into our situation and walk with us through it. As we cling on to Him, we may begin to realise He is not disconnected from what is going on but rather He is enfolding us in His arms.
“When I had nothing, desperate and defeated, I cried out to the Lord and he heard me, bringing his miracle-deliverance when I needed it most.” Psalm 34:6 The Passion Translation
Father God, thank You that You are with me where I am just now. I am not sure how everything is going to work out. There are things happening that I feel are out of my control and I don’t know how they’ll be resolved. But I come to You with all of this. When I’m worried about things help me to remember that You are with me now and also in my future. I want to hold on to You and trust in Your way for me through this time. I pray in Jesus’ Name.