Daily Devotional for Monday January 7, 2002

Down and Looking Up

(Psalms 88)

While the Christmas season and New Years are now behind us, most will be getting back into a normal flow of life in the coming days. For many, the holidays were just a temporary change from the difficult circumstances and trials they are going through. They are now facing again problems that seem to have no answers, having to make decisions when there are no easy or good options. It is in these times of our lives, when our faith must become real, when the relationship with the Lord we speak of must give us strength and courage. In the majority of cases, the problems we face are of our own making or because of nonprayerful decisions we have made, or just living totally in rebellion to God. They did not happen overnight, and there are no overnight solutions. I wish I had the wisdom to tell you the path out, but I can't. I do know where the first step is though, and that is what I want to share with you today.

When you are down, the only place to look is up. When you are facing those incredibly difficult life problems we all face from time to time, looking up is where you want to be. You see, it is only in crying out to God that we can have hope. It is only in crying out to God that we can have a chance. Getting on your knees and committing first yourself, then your situation into the hands of God is where you have to begin. Regardless of how you feel, the guilt you feel, and the shame you feel, God has not left you. He is there, waiting patiently for you to cry out to Him. He is not waiting to punish you, although He will allow you to suffer the consequences of your sinful behavior. First of all, He loves you. He created you in His own image, and He cares about you deeply. He has promised to forgive you and cleanse you from all unrighteousness if you simply confess your sins and ask for His forgiveness. God loves you, and He is waiting for you. If you are ready to deal with your problems and begin to put them behind you, you have got to start on your knees, looking up, talking to the God who loves you so very much.

I love you deeply, and today I feel the pain many of you are carrying. I have written these words because God wants to help you today. I am praying all day today that you will allow the Lord to carry this burden you have today, that you will make the commitment today to put whatever the situation is behind you. It takes courage and strength. My prayer is that God will give you the courage and strength to face your problems and start on the road to victory, not by running forward, but by getting on your knees and crying out to God, and letting Him carry you. I pray that today, this day, right this second, He will touch you by His Spirit, and you will not fight it, but allow the Lord to love you as you look up to Him.

May His richest blessings be with you this day. It is a new year. As you have that special intimate time each day with the Lord, let Him challenge you and guide you in your service to Him.