Rising from the Rubble - Encouragement Café - January 12

Rising From the Rubble
By Judy Fussell

I lift my eyes to the hills- where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. Psalm 121:1-2 NIV

Do you recognize these words? “Help, I’ve fallen and I can’t get up!” Most of us have seen the commercial advertising the medical alert device to assist older adults living alone. In case of emergency, it will immediately summon help at the push of a button or is activated when it senses a fall. It’s a great aid in offering security and independence for the elderly.

As a Christian, do you sometimes feel as though mountains have crumbled leaving you wounded, weary, and trapped in the rubble and ruin? Do you feel as though you have fallen and can’t get back up?

I’ve been there. Worries, adverse circumstances, sickness, financial difficulties, broken or strained relationships, wayward children, death, or just the demands of another day can sometimes seem too much.

In the Psalms, David, known as a man after God’s own heart, was not exempt from the highs and lows of this world. He lamented and poured out his cares to God when his world crashed around him. At times, crushing circumstances were no fault of his own; and at other times, his pain was a direct result of his own sin. No matter, troubles found their way to this chosen man of God. David may have felt at times that God had abandoned him, but he never faltered in the knowledge of who God is, and he knew always that his help was from God.

Jesus stated in John 16:33 (NIV), “I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have troubles. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

Yes, this world has many troubles and we are not immune to its power over us. Let’s keep our eyes focused just as David did in Psalm 121:1. We must not let the fear of our future stymie us in the now nor let past mistakes keep us mired there. Instead, let’s live in the now, knowing Christ is the Victor and we are His. God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. (Psalm 46:1)

Have your troubles left you feeling defeated? How can you be strong in the Lord when circumstances have knocked you down? The answers are found in God’s Word, a letter of love, to help us as we navigate this world.

Here are some R’s to remember as you look to the One who is your help:

Read: “Everything written in the Scriptures was written to teach us, in order that we might have hope through the patience and encouragement that the scriptures give us.” Romans 15:4

Repent: “He who conceals his sins does not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy.” Proverbs 28:13

Renew: “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – His good, pleasing and perfect will.” Romans 12:2

Remain: “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love.” John 15:9

Help us, Lord, as we seek You daily. Reveal sin we may be hiding in our hearts. Let us remember who we are in Christ Jesus. We recognize that You are our Victory. Teach us to replace the lies spoken by the enemy of our souls with the Truth found in You. You reward those who seek You and give refreshment, renewal, and rest to the weary. Our help comes from You. Thank you, Jesus. In Jesus’ Name, Amen 

For more encouragement take time to read and reflect on Psalm 23.

Listen to Overcomer by Mandisa

© 2021 by Judy Fussell.  All rights reserved.

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