Proverbs 12:25 "Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop: but a good word maketh it glad.
NKJV “Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression, but a good word makes it glad.”
CEV “Worry is a heavy burden, but a kind word always brings cheer.”
The Message “Worry weighs us down; a cheerful word picks us up.”
We often cross bridges that haven’t been built over waters that don’t flow through valley’s that don’t exist! In fact, search the Internet using the phrase “Americans worried.” Immediately you will discover pages of insights into the things that keep American’s stomachs tied in knots! Americans are worried about cybercrime, retirement, corporate wrongdoing, homeland security, health care coverage, nursing shortages, money and personal safety. There is no shortage of worry!
In a survey of 1000 adults, researchers studied people who lose sleep because of worry. Over a two week period, these sleepless souls spent 22 hours worried about money and 9.5 hours worried about national security. Also among those who couldn’t sleep, 15.5 hours was spent worrying about the safety of family members. American’s need the freedom from worry that God’s grace can provide!
We are easily burdened down with the worries of this world. In the story of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego we find three men who could face the worst situations with a personal peace. If we can apply these four lessons we will learn from their experience to our personal lives, we too can have God’s personal peace.We need this personal peace instead of worrying about bridges that we may never have to cross.
-We must make decisions based on principles, not practicalities or personalities. Daniel 3:16 “Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego answered and said to the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter.”
What if these three men had made decisions based on practicalities and personalities?
Their decision to stand tall was noble, but not practical. King Nebuchadnezzar was a formidable figure to stand against and a fiery furnace was nothing to laugh about. Had these three made their decision based on practicalities or personalities, they would have bowed with the rest of the crowd. So when the “heat was on,” the three men had no decision to make, only a decision to act upon.
The Bible is a book of principles. If we learn and apply biblical principles we will be freed from the worry of “heat of the moment” decision making.
-We must die to self so that we can deal with the worst reality rather than a make-believe monster.
The three men were believing in a miracle that would save their lives: Daniel 3:17 “If that is the case, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us from your hand, O king.” The three men had prepared themselves for God choosing a different outcome by dying to self in advance of the crisis. Having died to self, they were prepared to die for God’s honor.Daniel 3:18 “But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that we do not serve your gods, nor will we worship the gold image which you have set up.”
-We must learn to walk in the presence of God in good times so God will walk in your presence in bad times.
The outcome of this story is amazing because of the presence and power of God: Daniel 3:26, 27 “Then Nebuchadnezzar went near the mouth of the burning fiery furnace and spoke, saying, “Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego, servants of the Most High God, come out, and come here.” Then Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego came from the midst of the fire. And the satraps, administrators, governors, and the king’s counselors gathered together, and they saw these men on whose bodies the fire had no power; the hair of their head was not singed nor were their garments affected, and the smell of fire was not on them.”
-The presence and power of God was with the three men long before they were in the fiery furnace;
Daniel 1:17 “As for these four young men, God gave them knowledge and skill in all literature and wisdom; and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams.”
Do you expect God to be with you in the tough times when you do not rely on His presence in the good times?
-We must make it our desire to give the praise and glory to God.
The three young men were willing to die for God’s glory:
Daniel 3:28 “Nebuchadnezzar spoke, saying, “Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego, who sent His Angel and delivered His servants who trusted in Him, and they have frustrated the king’s word, and yielded their bodies, that they should not serve nor worship any god except their own God!”
A desire to give God glory will enable you to trust God in the midst of great adversity.
David had this desire: 1 Samuel 17:46 “This day the LORD will deliver you into my hand, and I will strike you and take your head from you. And this day I will give the carcasses of the camp of the Philistines to the birds of the air and the wild beasts of the earth, that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel.”
Paul had this same desire: 1 Corinthians 2:2 “For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified.”
Remember these 5 simple things about bridges that don’t exist:
(1) You are not alone in facing them.
(2) Always make choices concerning situations based on principle, and not on people or appearances.
(3) Avoid making hasty decisions. Don’t hurry yourself. Remember that making the right decision at the wrong time is as bad as choosing the wrong alternative at the right time.
(4) Look with the eyes of faith before making a molehill into a mountain.
(5) Accept that you are not a perfect person, and that you cannot perfectly handle every situation; but you will make an attempt to trust the Lord in every way possible to help you through.
When You’re Down To Nothing
When you're alone and down to nothing, Just what then can you do?
You can totally know this for sure, Now God can take care of you!
When you yourself, can get you out, No need for God to show.
It's when you're down to nothing, That's when He helps you grow!
There is one thing you can depend on, You must always be obedient.
If He says, "Do this, or do that." Better do it! - It's expedient!
After you've done your very best, But you still need lots of aid.
Don't let fear rule your heart, There's no need to be afraid!
God is always there to show up, Just when you're most in need.
If you're really down to nothing ...Here comes you rescue - Yes, indeed!
