"Trust in Him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts before Him. God is our refuge. Selah" - Psalm 62:8 (NIV).
A band of fellas walked with each other for about three years. That can be a good time for any people to get to know each other. Indeed all could recognise that one of them was quite outspoken. Peter was quick with words and once denied betraying his master, in the event he was handed over to the authorities because of his teachings. "But Peter declared, “Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you.” And all the other disciples said the same" (Mathew 26:35).
There was another fellow who was less talkative and quite difficult to figure. You see, such people tend to be a puzzle as they rarely put their thoughts out for the rest to dissect and place them. In this fellow's case, one might only say he was frugal with money. When a friend of Jesus once happened to wipe his feet with an expensive perfume, he "objected, “Why wasn’t this perfume sold and the money given to the poor? It was worth a year’s wages" (John 12:5). Otherwise he didn't say much.
Yet there was one person he couldn't hide from his heart. Just before he was delivered to the authorities, Jesus made an off cuff remark, "he said, “Truly I tell you, one of you will betray me" (Mathew 26:12). Of course Judas was quick to deny, "Then Judas, the one who would betray him, said, “Surely you don’t mean me, Rabbi?” (vv 25). Moments later the same fellow had brought a garrison that arrested Jesus!
We could all walk with people on a daily basis and we think we know them. They say all the right things and do the job we appointed them to. However, deep inside, their hearts harbour something else, perhaps sinister and murderous.
One of the things about this story is while Judas could conceal his hearts motives to all those around him there was one person he couldn't. God knew his heart and all his intentions right from the beginning. And that's why as the Psalmist says, "let's open our hearts to him"; for God knows everything.
Prayer for today: Lord Father God of Abraham, maker of heaven and earth, I open my heart to you and all my innermost thoughts that you guide me into all truth, this I pray in Jesus's name
Related upcoming events
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03/05/2024 - 04/05/2024 All day“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10)
Every now and then one could be gripped with fear because of certain events sweeping before one’s life journey. It could be the finances that are stretched and incomes are no longer certain. Perhaps it is one’s job under threat. Perhaps it is a dreaded health report card. There could be fear about outcome of a matter under judgment and what it might mean to one’s future.
Fear has been elsewhere described as “an unpleasant emotion caused by the threat of danger, pain, or harm.” Every life will experience fear at one point. Whenever we are faced with fear it is natural to look for something to grasp on. Sometimes we run for shelter wherever we can find. Perhaps we might seek out a friend for quiet confidence.
But there are those situations when there is no shelter in sight. There are also those cases where those we thought would understand our situation once we share our pain return only hurting and critical feedback. In such moments we might then turn and look within ourselves only to find the energy has all been sapped by this gnawing fear. We feel down and the urge to rise and move on all gone!
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand" (Isaiah 41:10) the word of God through prophet Isaiah assures us. But why? It is because the Lord has been there. He himself was faced with fear before his crucifixion but He looked to God.
Charles Spurgeon once wrote when faced with fear always remember, “Nothing is too hard for Him. He can find a way where there is no way. He can give us the idea that will make all the difference.” Psalm 91:2, says, “I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress, My God, in whom I trust!” So, when faced with fear, look to God to strengthen you. By looking to Him, the Lord will encourage and lift up your spirit, and make a way out of nowhere!
Prayer for today: Lord Father God of Abraham, maker of heaven and earth, today I surrender to you any fear that is in me for I know by looking up to you, you will always make a way out of nowhere, this I pray in Jesus’ name!
