When Life Has You Down...Let God Pick You Up! (Part 1)

This notice appeared in the window of a coat store in Nottingham, England: We have been established for over 100 years and have been pleasing and displeasing customers ever since. We have made money and lost money, suffered the effects of coal nationalization, coal rationing, government control, and bad payers. We have been cussed and discussed, messed about, lied to, held up, robbed, and swindled. The only reason we stay in business is to see what happens next.

The store owner knew that life was full of challenges. But he was determined to survive, even if only to hope for the best and "see what happens next."

Christ's followers have a much better reason to endure tough times as they live for Him. The Lord has assured us in His Word that better times are ahead. The psalmist reminded us that in spite of the prosperity of the wicked, the righteous will be set free.

We all know there are times when we find our lives down in the dumps. It just seems like we are stuck in a rut. Sometimes it seems like we just lose our desire to go on for God and just want to give up. Sometimes life just gets us down so far that we wonder if there will ever be a way up.

Does that ever happen to you? Some of you might be there today. You say you feel like life has jumped on you with both feet and you're just about ready to throw in the towel? Well, before you do, I'd like to show you a way out. God has a word of encouragement and instruction for you. And it starts right now!

Let's turn to 1 Peter 5:5-10. Verses 5 and 6 tell us to "surrender (humble) your will to God." We can do this in a couple of ways. First, assume the place of submission. We live in a day when men are all seeking their own way, but the child of God who wants to please the Lord will learn to allow God to have the place or preeminence in his life (Colossians 1:18).

Next, assume the place of slavery. "Clothed with Humility" literally means to "wear the apron of a slave". True humility before the Lord merely means assuming the place of a slave. As an example, this is what Jesus did in the Upper Room (John 13:4-16.) In other words, I have no will but His will. I have no plan but His plan. I have ne desire but His desire. We are called His "bondslaves" or servants (Ephesians 6:6).

In addition, we can accept the plan of the sovereign. If we can learn the way of humility, then the Lord will lift us up in His own way. As long as we seek to promote ourselves, we will never amount to much for the glory of God. However, when we turn loose of our lives and willingly place ourselves under the Lord, He will use us for His glory!

Verse 7 tells us "send your worry to God." Conclusively, it says "casting." This verb refers to the act of "throwing or casting" something. It is in a form that refers to a one time deal. We're told here to "once for all, throw our burdens to Jesus!" When the worries of life press us down, we do not have to bear them alone!

Thank God, there is One Who is stronger than we are and Who is willing to carry our load. And how does He do this? He does it completely! Notice how much or our burden we are supposed to give to the Lord. "All you care"! He tells us to give Him everything! We're not so much as to keep even the smallest part of a burden to ourselves. We are told to give it all up to Jesus!

How can we do this? We can do this confidently! With the absolute confidence that He cares for us (Hebrews 4:15). When we are burdened, it touches the heart of God and He is moved on our behalf. Please notice that this verb is in the "Present Tense, Active Voice and the Indicative Mood."

You may wonder what this means for you, well Present Tense means ongoing activity. Active Voice means the Lord Himself is involved. Indicative Mood means that it is a fact! Put it all together and we find that Jesus Christ, Himself, is actively involved in caring for us. Why the interest? Well, He has made quiet an investment in us (e.g., The Cross) and He will see to the needs that arise in our lives.

Take today's information and go back to 1 Peter 5:5-10. Read it line-by-line as you refer back to our discussion today. Allow all of this to slowly be absorbed in your mind and spirit. Next week, in Part 2, we will discuss the remaining verses (vs. 8-10), and tie it all together for you. Until next time, keep the Word close to your heart and always remember that God loves you no matter what!

Prayer:

Father, I pray for all those in need,
For all of my friends and my family.
I pray for your strength to see us all through,
When life is the hardest and when times are good. Amen


God bless you,

Darlene