“In Times of Stress”
When things aren’t going the way we wish, no matter how hard we try, it’s frustrating when someone comes along with complaints or tells us what we should be doing. People often point out our flaws and discredit any good we might do. A normal response to situations like this could be a sense of tenseness and the desire to be left alone.
I suppose everyone one of has been the recipient of unwanted advice that only adds fuel to the fire in a given situation. These moments often lead to fits of anger, stress, and temper flare ups. To many times a person recalls such experiences with regret and shame. “I wish I hadn’t said that, but they made me so mad!” “If only they had minded their own business this whole mess wouldn’t have happened!” My guess is, you’ve been there. I know I have. Then matters worsen as guilt sets in and we need to confess our outbursts to God and for a clean heart, seek forgiveness from the one we lashed out at.
When Moses was leading the Jewish people from 400 years of Egyptian slavery toward the Promised Land, he had to deal with constant complaining, stubbornness, and backward thinking. The difficulty of this task led to angry insults and depression in Moses. What happened to this larger-than-life biblical hero? Moses, like us in stressful situations, forgot three very important things.
He forgot the promise of God’s presence (in good, but especially difficult times), God’s plan for his life, and God’s power to deliver whatever Moses and the people needed. Exodus 33:14 is a good verse to memorize and put into execution: The Lord said, “My presence shall go with you, and I will give you rest.”
So, when life closes in around you creating potential anger or depression … and we all experience it from time to time … remember what Moses forgot: God is WITH YOU! He has a UNIQUE PLAN and PURPOSE for your life. And He has the POWER TO PROVIDE EVERYTHING you need to fulfill that plan and purpose.
Pastor Carnes
