I remember learning long ago that whatever my circumstances may require of me is oftentimes what Jesus is trying to teach me. That principle helps me identify what the point may be of any particular situation. Paying attention to the “goal” is something I need to be reminded of regularly, because it is all too easy for me to lose sight of the forrest for the trees.
Say for example I am in a frustrating time, or maybe a fearful time, I ask myself what is most needed. It could be that I need to exercise patience or faith or courage. I first identity what emotion I am feeling, then I consider what is required of me in order to address that need. That is usually what helps me face the challenge more productively. Being a goal-oriented person, I bear up under difficulty better when I see a purpose in it. That being said, I can become easily overwhelmed though at first glance of a trial. But thankfully, I have learned a practical process to help me when I initially encounter a challenge or threat.
King Hezekiah in Isaiah 37:14-38 displays in a nutshell how best to respond to that which overwhelms. He faced a challenge that he knew he was unable to handle. An army came calling that had wiped out so many other nations around Judah, and these other nations were much more equipped than Judah.
When Assyria sent word to Judah of their intentions to invade their land and bring destruction upon the Israelites, it says that King Hezekiah “received the letter from the messengers and read it. Then he went up to the temple of the LORD and spread it out before the LORD.” (verse 14)
As I picture King Hezekiah receiving the devastating news of impending war and probable annihilation, I am astounded at how calmly he responded. It was as if he knew just what to do at such a horrifying possibility. Inspiration gives me goosebumps as I envision him coming into the temple and kneeling in submission and dependence, as he spread that letter before the Lord. It was a literal transaction of bringing that threat to God’s attention and handing it over to Him. Hezekiah may have received that threat, but he transferred it where it belonged!
Psalm 55:22 comes to mind as I read this part of King Hezekiah ‘s story.
“Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall.”
That is exactly what Hezekiah did- he cast his cares! He did not sit and stew or try to determine how to respond to the threat. He passed it on to the One who cared for him and wanted to bear his burdens. His knee-jerk reaction was to turn to God immediately and roll that burden off of himself, giving it to the One who was meant to carry his burden.
Psalm 68:19 teaches us this relief of God bearing the burdens of His people.
“Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens.”
This truth applies to all types of needs, not just threatening ones. I recently used this principle as I was struggling with the temptation of feeling insecure and inferior. As I recognized the emotions I was feeling, I immediately turned to God for the equipping I needed to overcome. In essence, I cast my cares upon the Lord and looked to Him for help. I knew that Scripture was my greatest weapon when fighting temptation, so I went to the Word to look for verses that were applicable. I found Psalm 73:23-26 and I prayed it whenever I felt the negative emotions. It helped me greatly to gain strength and ability to resist giving way to the temptation as I reminded myself of a better perspective.
Casting our cares upon the Lord equips us to prevail, overcoming what threatens or temps us as we tap into His power and strength.
If it worked for Hezekiah then it can work for the rest of us. To His praise and glory, He wants our burdens and I am all too willing to cast Him mine. What about you? Are you experiencing temptations or trials? Are you struggling to handle them by yourself? Consider first what is being required of you through the temptation or trial, as God may be using the opportunity for spiritual growth. Then go before the Lord just as King Hezekiah and cast your care upon Him through prayer. He WILL sustain you, as only He can.
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