“Humbly yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up” (James 4:10)
There are times all of us need a lift. We all get discouraged, and sometimes we even get depressed. When our hearts have become heavy, like anchors weighing us down and drowning us in a sea of struggles, how thankful we should be for the God who lifts! The psalmist declared, “I will extol You, O Lord, for You have lifted me up” (Psa. 30:1). Consider some of the methods God uses in lifting up His children, God l-i-f-t-s His people by—
Loving Them. “…You have sent Me, and have loved them, as you have loved Me” (John 17:23). God’s love cannot be completely fathomed (Eph. 3:17-19). But oh, what fun it is to try! The love of God is just the remedy to lift the worst of sinners out of the mire of sin (1Cor. 6:9-11; 1 Tim 1:13-15). And it is God’s “goodness and mercy” that gently nudge us back to the fold when we as sheep go astray (Psa. 23.) Some people are burdened so by sin that they question anyone’s love. But God’s love is true, real and unconditional. His love lifts!
Inviting Them. “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn of Me, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light” (Matt.11:28-30). The Lord takes the initiative in inviting men to have their burdens relieved. Even before we realize how heavy the load has become, the invitation to come to HIM for peace and rest have been offered. In His grace and mercy, He lifts (Eph. 2:4-10; Tit. 3:4-7).
Forgiving Them. The old hymn is right: “Burdens are lifted at Calvary” (cf. Matt 26:28; Eph. 1:7) One of the most descriptive passages anywhere in God’s word concerning His forgiveness must be Micah 7:18-19, “Who is a God like You, pardoning iniquity and passing over the transgressions of the remnant of His heritage? He does not retain His anger forever, because he delights in mercy. He will again have compassion on us, and will subdue our iniquities. You will cast all our sins into the depths of the sea.” What complete forgiveness! What astounding love!
Testing them. “That the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ” (1Pet.1:7) God has a purpose in our trials that we often cannot see. How important it is to look to Him even in those times (cf. 1 Pet. 5:10).
Satisfying Them. “Oh satisfy us early with Your mercy, that we may rejoice and be glad all our days” (Psa. 90:14). He lifts us to ultimate satisfaction. “You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy, at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore” (Psa. 16:11). We find completeness in Him (Col. 2:10). There may be times we feel like we’re about to drop due to the strain and stress of life, but our Great God can lift us.
Do YOU need a lift?
Mike Vestal
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