Read Between The Lines

"...looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls." - Hebrews 12:2-3 (NKJV)

Have you ever felt cold with the sun on your face?

Ever feel alone in a crowded place?

The pain inside,

You never fully can hide.

The past is always there

To haunt without a care...

Have you ever felt as though no one understood you?  As if you were all alone in a situation?  Perhaps the circumstances of life have left you feeling like no one has your back.  When you feel this way what are you focusing on?  Are you dwelling on your problems, stressors and worries? Or, are you able to change your perspective and view your situation differently?

We have all felt lonely at one point or another, but none of us have ever felt as lonely as Jesus must have felt on the cross the night He freely gave His life for us.  Feeling forsaken by His Father, the profound loss He experienced was expressed in agony as He cried out, "My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?"(Matthew 27:46).

If He freely remained on the cross for you and I, despite the loneliness, loss, betrayal, hurt and confusion then we should be able to look to Him when our emotions run parallel.   Remember where to keep your focus when you are feeling lonely, for it is in the midst of your circumstances that you find Jesus and realize you were never alone.

Peace

 “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear;” - 1 Peter 3:15

     While waiting to pick up my daughter from school one day, I had the opportunity to visit with one of her teachers.  During our conversation, she very passionately brought up the topic of the economy and asked me how I felt about it.  I told her that if I were to listen to the media reports I would be nervous; but that I was not.  Puzzled, she asked why not.

     Immediately the Holy Spirit brought to mind Matthew 6:31,“Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’”

     “I have peace.” I replied and then continued to tell her “the Bible says that we are to take no thought about what to eat or what to drink or what to wear.”    

     She quickly changed the subject back to the state of the economy but the Lord reminded me of the verse found in Philippians 4:7, “the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” which is why I had a ready answer for her question on the economy.