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Coming
home from work one afternoon, I met an old friend I had not seen for many
years. We had very similar interests and common backgrounds. As I shook
hands, I hoped for good interchange, a camaraderie.
However,
my friend suddenly took aim at friends I had, the lifestyle I was leading
and beliefs I held. I sensed he was seeking truths in his life but with
a very restless and unsoothing mind. I tried to end our discussion as there
seemed to be no kindred spirit.
Musing on the encounter, it occurred to me that my friend
certainly had an affect on others and me. Restlessness in his mind and thought,
seeking truths with intensity, finding fault in everything and everyone.
What influence would he have on family, friends, and others. His children
would one day be affected with his judgmental attitude. Should I confront
this friend on this?
True, we are all restless in various ways, trying to get
ahead, worrying about our future, our family, looking for direction or even
a quick fix. I met a lady today who had everything you could ask for but
she worries over her son's ability to forge ahead with the house he bought.
Mortgage payments, health, the stock market, or the job we were just hired
for, they all compete for our sanity and well-being.
Augustine once wrote, "Man is ever restless until he finds
rest in God." In similar fashion, Proverbs 3:5,6 sheds some comfort, "Trust/rest
in the Lord with all your heart, lean not to your own understanding for
He shall direct your paths." |
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A 55-year old friend
relayed to me the story of his 83-year old mother laying on her deathbed
for a very long time in the hospital: she was determined not to die. He
asked her why she just did not want to die and go to heaven. She replied
that she was worried about her family-- her sons and daughters. He answered
with, "Mom, the same God that took care of you and dad will also take
care of us, your children." She thanked him and he left. Only an hour
later, before he was home, she died, knowing that God would take care
of her concerns. That is the true beauty of faith in the Savior, when
we allow Christ to take our concerns and let Him bury them in our desert
sand. Then He turns our "arid, burning sand into a pool, and the thirsty
ground springs of water--yes, streams in the desert," (Isaiah 35: 6,7).
Friend, this is what Daily Wisdom is all about--encouraging
you to make that commitment to follow Jesus. Could I ask you to make a
decision for Him today? Jesus can put your mind to rest and subside all
fear.
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