Tuesday, March 7, 2023

Commentary: Do Not Despair


 by Guy C. LaMar


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When week after week things are thrown at our peoples that make them become more and more weak─ to the point that they become exceedingly fragile, then it is at that point that they are on the very edge to all things.

“No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it” – 1 Corinthians 10:13.

Sometimes─ if not often─ a person who is so down-and-out will call to talk to their “family” member or their “friends.” And those good “family” members, or their good old “friends” will only ramble on about themselves with little to no concern about anything else.

Or, a person can easily sense that their good old “friends” or “family” does not truly care to hear about their problems and difficulties─ thus the person begins to feel that much more alienated.

When things like this happen to people, it can break them.

It can easily cause people to feel helpless and worthless.

Often─ thoughts of suicide creeps into their mind.

Many who are at this point of feeling so hurt, betrayed, worthless to others may feel that God is not there for them. It is at such a point they may attempt to end their own life.

Friends─ if we are not on ALERT with the TRUE LOVE OF GOD within us to see such signs, then we may end up having callused blinders on.

If we are unable to see past our own nose and our own wants, then we will never be able to see the needs of others.

Sadly, the results of such desperate people can come to an end when such a desperate person ends up taking their own life. So as to end their pain and hurt that seems to never go away─ due to the rejections they feel.

Brethren, as true Christians, we MUST PUT ON GODLY LOVE! A deep concern and out-going care for others.

When the LORD God brings such a feeling in our heart─ then you best embrace it. It is the LORD God pushing you to help save someone.

What is even more alarming is that many times such people are those who cover up their pain and hurt. We must be ALERT, we must be able to read between the lines to suspected people of whom are in such pain and hurt.

Sadly, the WORLDLY─ more often than not─ only knows self.

Worldly people tend not to see past themselves in most cases. It’s all about “me,” “me,” “I,” and “who cares,” and “I don’t care!”

The LORD God is not a part of their lives. But, a true Christian will care.

God’s living word tells us, brethren, to be on ALERT!

Notice these Scriptures –

“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour” – 1 Peter 5:8.

“Stand therefore, having girded your waist WITH TRUTH, having put on the breastplate OF RIGHTEOUSNESS, 15) and having shod your feet WITH THE PREPERATION OF THE GOSPEL OF PEACE; 16) above all, taking the shield OF FAITH with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. 17) And take the helmet OF SALVATION, and the sword OF THE SPIRIT, WHICH IS THE WORD OF GOD; 18) praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, BEING WATCHFUL to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints─ ” – Ephesians 6:14-18.

“Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation [the coming] of Jesus Christ” – 1 Peter 1:13.

“But concerning the times and the seasons, brethren, you have no need that I should write to you. 2) For YOU YOURSELVES know perfectly that the Day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night. 3) For when they say, ‘Peace and safety!’ …” ─ or even “peace for our time!”“then sudden destruction comes upon them, as labor pains upon a pregnant woman. And they shall not escape.

4) But you, brethren, ARE NOT IN DARKNESS, so that this Day should overtake you as a thief. 5) You are all [children] of light and [children] of the day. We are not of the night nor of darkness.

6) Therefore let us not sleep, as others do, but let us WATCH AND BE SOBER. 7) For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk are drunk at night. 8) But let us who are of the day be sober, putting on the BREASTPLATE OF FAITH AND LOVE, as a helmet THE HOPE OF SALVATION.

9) For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ” – 1 Thessalonians 5:1-9.

’ Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak’ – Mark 14:38.

If we lack self-control we will lose the battle over self-pity, or depression, and may become consumed by whatever it is that is hurting us─ to the point of loss.

So, where is the LORD God when His begotten people feel such despair!?

King David─ under the divine inspiration of God’s Spirit –

“The righteous cry out, AND THE LORD HEARS, And delivers them out of all their troubles. 18) The LORD is near to those who have a broken [or humble] heart, And saves such as have a contrite spirit.

19) Many are the afflictions of the righteous, But the LORD delivers him out of them all” – Psalm 34:17-19.

Also, the very word of the Eternal, the LORD our God –

“Thus says the LORD: … ‘Fear not, for I AM with you; Be not dismayed, for I AM your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand’” – Isaiah 38:1; 41:10.

And, as the LORD God told the children of Israel, the LORD God also says to us, brethren –

“ … ‘Do not be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which He will accomplish for you TODAY. … 14) The LORD will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace’” – Exodus 14:13, 14.

“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope” – Jeremiah 29:11.

The epistle of the apostle Paul to our brethren in ancient Philippi, a city in Thrace (northeast Greece), to us, brethren, the spiritual descendants of Abraham –

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” – Philippians 4:13.

God’s divine living word is clear─ STAY CALM!

Give it all over to the LORD God.

Never give up on the LORD our God as He will guide us if we turn to Him!

And to put the icing on the cake, WATCH, AND PRAY WITHOUT CEASING AND FOLLOW GOD’S WAY!

OBEY HIS HOLY LAW─ summed up with the TEN COMMANDMENTS! cf. Exodus 20:1-17; Matthew 22:37-40.

Do not allow human reasoning to over-take your thoughts. SEEK THE LORD GOD’S WILL.

That is how the LORD God will be there for you! Our Lord Jesus Christ says, ’ If you love Me [if you are loyal] keep My commandments’ – John 14:15.

Which can’t be anymore clearer.

The worst things will just roll away once that is done.

Your comfort will not come as much from other people as much as it will from the LORD God.

TRUST and BELIEVE the LORD God for help─ and it will come. □

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