“Surely God is my help; the Lord is the one who sustains me” - Psalm 54:4 (NIV).
Many parents with means once they discover their child is struggling with a difficult subject critical to his passing national exams go out and look for a coach to help out. The use of a coach to help a young novice struggling in some area where he seeks to become an expert is an ancient practice. Most courts in ancient kingdoms had coaches to help nobles master in a particular task. Coaches are definitely more knowledgeable and can help the eager learner improve in the area, whether it is learning or a major sports activity, and help him to soon excel.
There are some characteristics about a good coach. First, the coach should be available. Cases often abound of coaches who are not available for their students being locked in other tasks, or just lousy, in spite of being paid. Then the coach is expected to be a master in the area that the student is struggling with. It obviously defeats the purpose if the coach is also struggling and found wanting.
Now, there is a coach, a helper whom we can all rely on to go to whenever we are struggling with any matter, and is not just available but far ahead in knowledge and grasp of any issue that could be troubling us. The Psalmist says, “I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. He will not let your foot be moved; he who keeps you will not slumber. Behold, he who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord is your keeper; the Lord is your shade on your right hand..(Psalm 121:1-8, ESV). The prophet Isaiah, had a message: “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10, ESV). The Apostle Paul wrote in Hebrews, “So we say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?” (Hebrews 13:6).
Where if today you find yourself struggling with any matter, there is a helper awaiting to lift you up and sail you through. It is the Almighty God, who is there as your coach and helper.
Prayer for today: Lord Father God of Abraham, maker of heaven and earth, today I come to you in confidence, seeking your hand to help carry me through this situation for your glory’s sake, this I pray in Jesus’s name.
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29/04/2024 - 30/04/2024 All day“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid” (John 14:27)
One of the most moving Christian song ever written is, “Its well with my soul!” To hear it sung in cathedrals, concerts or at funerals, always leaves many with goose bumps. It has uplifted many through the most difficult of moments, soothing their weary spirit.
It’s coming into being in many ways show how God so often uses difficult situations to bless so many. In 1871 Horatio Spafford, was one of the wealthiest lawyers, based in Chicago. He was also a devout Christian, along with his wife Ann, and their four daughters. But early in 1871 came the Great Fire of Chicago that destroyed Spafford’s sizable investment.
Devastated from the loss, Spafford, seeking to recover, two years later, decided to go for a holiday in Europe. But at the last minute he was detained by business, letting Ann and his four daughters to proceed, hoping to join them. No sooner had they left when the ship in which they were had an accident and sank within minutes. All the four children drowned, though Anna survived.
Spafford on receiving the news decided to go and pick up Ann. As he got to the spot where the ship had sunk, in his despair came the words that have brought respite to so many, through generations. “When peace like a river attendeth my way. When sorrows like sea billows roll Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say It is well, it is well with my soul... Let this blest assurance control That Christ (yes, He has) has regarded my helpless estate, And has shed His own blood for my soul. It is well...With my soul..
It is well, it is well with my soul.”It is said as Ann saw her daughters going down, she said, “God gave me four daughters. Now they have been taken from me. Someday I will understand.” And, indeed, “It is well with my soul” was God’s gift to all of mankind through a tragedy.
Prayer for today: Lord Father God of heaven, sometimes through tragedies, it is difficult to understand or appreciate the moment; but as the song goes, whatever the difficulty may be, “Its well with my soul” for you are with me, no matter! This I pray in Jesus’ name!
