August 11th
1 O LORD, You have searched me and known me. 2You know my sitting down and my rising up; You understand my thought afar off. 3You comprehend my path and my lying down, and are acquainted with all my ways. 4For there is not a word on my tongue, but behold, O LORD, You know it altogether. 5You have hedged me behind and before, and laid Your hand upon me. 6Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; It is high, I cannot attain it. 7Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence? 8If I ascend into heaven, You are there; If I make my bed in hell, behold, You are there. 9If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, 10Even there Your hand shall lead me, And Your right hand shall hold me. Psalm 139:1-10 NKJV
God has given each of us the body of Christ to encourage and support one another in love. It is vital for us to be “plugged-in” to a good church or other group of committed believers if we hope to live for God successfully. The devil prowls around like a lion, looking for whom he may devour. He looks for those who are separated from the pack, so to speak. Without our brothers and sisters in Christ surrounding us and standing with us, we can fall easy prey to our cunning enemy.
Even when we’re plugged in to the body of Christ, we may go through times when we feel discouraged and alone. When we’re tempted to start feeling that way, we can remind ourselves of the fact that Jesus is with us at all times. We are not alone! Jesus is uniquely acquainted with whatever circumstances we’re facing and stands ready to help us. Having faced every kind of temptation known to man, Jesus sympathizes with you. Consider what these verses tell us about Jesus:
- “For in that He Himself has suffered, being tempted, He is able to aid those who are tempted.” Hebrews 2:18 NKJV
- “For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.” Hebrews 4:15 NKJV
- “Now He who establishes us with you in Christ and has anointed us is God, who also has sealed us and given us the Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee” 2 Corinthians 1:21-22 NKJV
- “Casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you” 1Peter 5:7 NKJV
Jesus came to earth, lived as a man in the flesh, endured temptation, suffered, died and rose from the dead. He now sits at the right hand of the Father to make intercession for you. His Spirit is with you, living in you at all times. He knows you personally and knows how to strengthen you, encourage you and keep you on God’s path. Jesus knows what it’s like to live in the world, being buffeted by all the temptations in it. He can sympathize with you in whatever struggle you are facing.
Informal prayer can be the best way to communicate with Jesus. Since he is with us all the time, we don’t have to explain the whole situation to him. We can simply tell him how we feel and ask for help. Though it is that simple, many of us may try to gut things out on our own for awhile before we ask for help. We can save ourselves some heartache and time by asking Jesus for help first.
Joseph Scriven and Charles Converse wrote an old hymn that captures Jesus’ role in our lives:
“What a friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear! What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer! Oh, What peace we often forfeit; oh, what needless pain we bear, All because we do not carry everything to God in prayer!
Are we weak and heavy laden, cumbered with a load of care? Precious Savior, still our refuge. Take it to the Lord in prayer. Can we find a friend so faithful, who will all our sorrows share? In his arms he’ll take and shield thee, thou will find a solace there.”
Questions for further thought:
How often was Jesus in touch with God the Father while living on earth? (Luke 5:16)
What does Jesus live to do for us right now? (Hebrews 7:22-25)
What deposit has God made in us that guarantees Jesus is with us and that we are co-heirs with him to God’s kingdom? (Ephesians 1:13-14)
What character trait in us resists asking God for help?
Prayer:
“Lord Jesus, thank you for being with me at all times. Thank you that I can pray to you at any time and that you live to make intercession for me. Please help me to remember that you are always with me and that I can stay in touch with you through prayer. Thank you, Jesus! Amen.”