This morning I met with a group of men that I meet with on a weekly basis. We eat breakfast together; fellowship; study a book together; and pray. This morning we had a great Bible study on some of the lessons we learn from the life of Abraham, and specifically the time that he offered Isaac up as a sacrifice. It was a really great time around these truths from Genesis 22.
As we closed out our time, we always share prayer requests. We are very personal when we share these requests, and we speak of things with each other that we would not normally bring up in a public prayer meeting. As we shared things to pray about, it became a very deeply personal time. The burdens shared were very serious and heavy. My heart ached for the people mentioned, and the requests that were made. We prayed together, and as we were leaving, I could not help but think that I wished there was more I could do personally.
I returned home and opened my Bible to Psalm 28 to read these words: “Blessed be the LORD, because he hath heard the voice of my supplications. The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him. The LORD is their strength, and he is the saving strength of his anointed” (Psalm 28:6-8). We all face difficulties that we cannot solve alone. What a blessing as a Christian, to read these verses and realize that God wants to be actively involved in whatever I am facing.
He is the answer to all the challenges of life. When Abraham was asked to sacrifice his son, Isaac, God had the answer waiting in the bushes. When our heart aches for the burdens we are facing, or others we love are facing, God has the answer. Because God is God, my heart can greatly rejoice, and my song can praise Him! The reality of verse 8 is powerful … “The LORD is their strength, and he is the saving strength of his anointed.” The answer to the problems each of us will encounter today and all throughout our lives, is found in running to the Source of strength!
God is the saving strength in the life of a believer! While the world may throw difficult, and seemingly impossible challenges our way, never forget that we have a God Who has not changed. He alone is our strength and He alone is our shield. It is important that we trust in Him when all else around us seems to be falling. He is never too far away, and He will always have the strength and wisdom to meet whatever the need we face. When times get tough, remember these verses, and the that you have the Answer!