During the Great Depression people struggled to just survive. They had just lived through World War One and now they were emotionally spent, poor, and worried about everything. But what happened next was surprising. The people rose up and became creative. They ripped out their lawns and planted gardens. Relationships blossomed as neighbors checked on each other to see if they were okay. Compassion moved them to help each other take care of their properties, their livestock, and children. Dinners were shared, and so were their hearts. By many counts, they learned to thrive under pressure.
Spiritually, the same is true. Oh, how we long for the green pastures and still waters spoken of in Psalm 23 - that day will come, but for now, we are under pressure - a lot of pressure - and the question arises - how do we thrive under this pressure? David tells us what worked for him... “But as for me, it is good that I draw near to God; I have made the Lord my refuge, that I may declare all His wonderful works.” (Psalm 73:28)
Isaiah tells us... “The Lord spoke to me with His strong hands upon me and told me not to follow in the ways of the people. Do not call a conspiracy whatever the people call a conspiracy, do not fear what they fear, do not dread what they dread. The Lord Almighty is the One you are to regard as Holy. He is the One you are to fear. He will be a Holy Place for you.” (Isaiah 8:11-14)
Dear friends, we are called to a higher level than fear and anxiety - we’re called to trust God and to find refuge in Him. Only there, in this Holy Place, can we thrive under the pressures of this life. May we cast aside all the thoughts that are independent of God - they will suck the oxygen out of our souls. We were never meant to handle the pressures here on earth apart from Him. May we gather our strength and courage, stand tall, and present each day to Him as an offering. And like Myrrh, that has no scent until it is put under great pressure but then releases the most heavenly aroma - our lives can do the same.
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