…stand and see the salvation
of the Lord on your behalf.

II Chronicles 20:17 (a)

How many times have I referred someone who is in a seemingly hopeless mess to the J.B. Phillips translation of Ephesians 1:4: For consider what He has done–before the foundation of the world He chose us to become, in Christ, His holy and blameless children living within His constant care.
(Think about what you have just read. Meditate on those words. Meditate: to think deeply.)
First of all, I am chosen. Do you remember playing Red Rover in school and how it felt when you were the last one chosen for a team–the only one left standing there? It was nasty bad, wasn’t it? Humiliated. Embarrassed. Unwanted. Well, before the foundation of the world He chose me! I can relax. I’m not going to be left by myself–everyone feeling sorry for me. He wants me on His team! He chose me! What an honor!
Secondly, because I am now IN Christ, I am holy and blameless. He says that about me and what He says goes! Correct? No matter what I think about myself or what I have learned about myself from the people in my world. Don’t insinuate that He is not being truthful–remember what happened to Zacharias when he doubted the angel Gabriel? The Lord shut his mouth–literally (Luke 1:18-20)!
Then, I am His child and I live under His constant care. He watches over me carefully, tenderly, and constantly. Can I grasp that? Do I believe that?
I’m in a difficult situation right now–this very moment. The defeating thoughts are coming at me fast and furiously–failures, anger, self-condemnation, resentment, uncertainty about what’s before me. Questions: What do I do now? How can I deal with these difficulties that have hit me all at the same time? I’m over whelmed and “under qualified!”
If I were a child with loving parents, what would I do? I’d go and talk to them–tell them all about it and probably nestle my face on their shoulder and cry. And what would those loving parents do? (Don’t put your parents in that picture. These are loving parents.) They would hold me, enfold me in their arms, encourage me, advise me, and assure me of their steadfast love–no matter what came in the future. Oh, to be able to do that now even though I am long past childhood!
Do you see where I’m going? I AM a child! HIS child! Living under His constant care! He watches over me, protects me, provides for me–everything that a loving parent would do, He does! HE does!
So, what is the answer to my dilemma?
It’s right here–in His Word–His love letter to us–His children.

He will keep in perfect peace all those who trust in Him, whose thoughts turn often to the Lord (Isaiah 26:3, TLB).
Peace I leave with you–My peace I give to you; not as the world gives, do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful (John 14:27).
Fix your thoughts on what is good and true and right. Think about things that are pure and lovely, and dwell on the fine, good things in others. Think about all you can praise God for and be glad about (Phil. 4:8, TLB).
Be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love (Eph. 4:2, TLB).

Until I have followed the instructions He has already given on how to handle these crises that I am facing, I do not need to go to Him in prayer with all my questions and depressing thoughts. He has told me what to do. Now, the ball is in the obedience court–my court. But WAIT! There’s something I must remember! Who lives inside of me to hit that “obedience” ball perfectly? Jesus, Himself. I will make it–He has given me the answer and He will do it for me!
He has not left us to face all of the problems here on earth by ourselves! He knows what earth is like. He lived here for a while and He faced problems with greater magnitude than we will ever face. What a thoughtful, marvelous, loving God to make all of the arrangements for us. Thank You, Lord Jesus. What would we ever do without You?

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