Hey Girls!
“Now I will take the load from your shoulders, I will free your hands from their heavy tasks.” Psalm 81:6
Asaph, who was David’s chief musician, wrote Psalm 81. In context this Psalm is referring to the time in history when the children of Israel were facing a ‘no water’ situation. This was the second time of encountering no water in the middle of the desert. Both times, the people complained and murmured to Moses about the problem of being thirsty. In fact, the problem was so bad this second time of having no water that the people were about to stone Moses to death! They blamed Moses for taking them out of Egypt and thought it was his fault they were facing these problems. They had absolutely no idea that these ‘no water’ situations were tests from God. They found themselves complaining and rehearsing along the wilderness journey how much better it was when they were in bondage. At least they had water to drink…
Granted, the children of Israel had very HIGH EXPECTATIONS because of their recent miraculous delivery from Pharaoh. They saw the mighty hand of God as they crossed the Red Sea on dry land. You would think that would be all the proof they’d need to believe God for the journey ahead and any other difficulty they might encounter along the way. After all…Moses was taking them to the Promised Land, “a land flowing with milk and honey”. The expectation seems logical to me. You would expect milk and honey along the way, NOT a ‘no water’ kind of situation - 2 times!
This verse spoke to me for many reasons. The principle God was trying to impress upon His children after delivering them from bondage was simple: #cometoJesus. A simple basic lesson to learn! Come to Jesus and He will be there to help you.
I recall years ago when my grandson, Steel, was only one year old. It wasn’t that long ago that He was completely dependent upon me when I was watching him for the day. He cried and I would change him. When he was hungry I would feed him food. And when he would get restless and bored, I would take him outside to change his setting. All the while, Steel was learning that while he was at Nana’s house, she would take care of all his needs!
In the same way, Jesus was trying to teach His children to depend on His help for everything. The ‘no water’ situations of life are tests of faith for us to encounter the presence of God in our lives #hurricanelane. How many times do I encounter a ‘no water’ situation and find myself fretting and complaining, rather than crying out to God to supply whatever it is I need? Lord, forgive me…When I cry out to God in prayer, that’s when I experience first hand “The Great Exchange!” He exchanges my being anxious for His wonderful peace. He takes away the burden of guilt and cleanses my mind from regrets of the past. He can take my sad times and use them for His good and His glory, when I let go of my plans and surrender it all to Him.
You and I can SOAR like eagles above the difficult situations of life. When I give Jesus my burdens He always lightens my load. Its not that the burden or concern magically goes away. The difference is that when I take the concern, that ‘no water’ situation to God in prayer – I’m yoked with Him. “ Come to me, all you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” Matt. 11:28-29 What HIGH EXPECTATIONS do you have in your walk with the Lord today? What “no water” situations are you facing? Give it to Jesus and experience “The Great Exchange”!
God bless your day, Karen