Short devotion: Burden Bearers - Psalm 55v22

 

Psalm 55:22   Cast your burden on the LORD, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved. (NIV)

One of the greatest burdens in ministry, as well as in other counseling or caring professions, is the amount of indifference that you come across from folks you attempt to help or try to support. I can remember in Scotland spending many hours each week with drug addicts and alcoholics trying to enable them to overcome their addiction by inserting faith into their lives. I felt compelled to do this because I had come through the same sort of experiences. I wanted to show them the path to Christ which I had found, for I believed (and still do) that it would potentially enable them to begin again.

Sometimes it worked, but most of the time they reverted to their old ways, habits, and addictions. Looking back, I would say that about 20% changed their lives and today I am still thankful to God for sustaining them. As for the others, they drifted away and some of them ended up dying at an early age. It broke my heart to see this happening.

Over the years, God has allowed me in both Scotland and the U.S. to help others overcome troubles, deal with their addictions, and even avoid going to prison, but the resulting numbers of success are still the same. About 20% are grateful for what God has done in their lives and take every opportunity to serve, worship, and praise Him when they can; four out of every five, however, don’t feel that need to be challenged or changed, faithful or thankful, so they just move on. It’s sad to see, and it still breaks my heart, but no doubt other pastors, counsellors, and caring professionals will feel and say the same.

So, next time you have burden to share with a pastor or a professional counsellor, remember that there is a person behind that title. He or she will certainly do all that they can to help and guide you, but they cannot make you change; only you can do that part. However, please know this: with God’s help, it is less difficult to accomplish.

Question: Have I ever sought help from a pastor or a counselor? Do I pray for them?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are our Guide and Comforter, but You also provide caring counselors and loving leaders to help us through challenging times. May we not take them for granted but keep them in our prayers. In Your Holy Name, we humbly ask. Amen.

 

 

 

 

Patchwork Blues - Luke 21:29-36

Mark 2:21 “No one sews a patch of unshrunk cloth on an old garment. Otherwise, the new piece will pull away from the old, making the tear worse.” (NIV)

            When I was a teenager, patchwork denims were the latest fashion trend. Most of my peers had them, but my family was going through some rough financial times, so my parents couldn’t afford them. Undaunted by this, I decided to make my own. I cut up some really old denims and made some square patches. I then spent a couple of days sewing them on to a new pair of work jeans. By the time I was finished, my fingertips were bruised because of constantly having to push the needle through two layers of denim. However, I thought my patchwork denims looked great, so it was worth all of the bleeding and pain.

            I wore them for a couple of days and then it started raining. When the thread got wet, the stitching became tighter and eventually the patches started to break away. In due course, my pair of patchwork jeans turned into ragged remnants and I realized that I had ruined them. As a teenager struggling to keep up with his peers, it was a hard and embarrassing lesson to learn; however, as a life lesson, it has proved invaluable to me. Patching up things may work for a while, but eventually things will fall apart and be beyond repair.

            I think this is also what Jesus meant when He talked about sewing patches on old garments. They ultimately become undone, no matter how good the initial intent to fix things was. Jesus saw this among His own people, who constantly broke their covenant with God and then tried to vainly repair the damage with sacrifices. It was never enough and all that they achieved was a glossing over of the real problem – their self-centered ways – and the temporary concealment of their personal sins. It would take a brand-new sacrifice to cover their sinfulness – the crucifixion of Christ – instead of a patchwork of prayers or an ineffective system of rituals.

            Perhaps you presently feel broken, disconnected, or even ragged. Maybe you’ve been patching up things for years in order to conceal the real problems of your life. If you keep doing this, it will tear away at your mind, grieve your heart, and contaminate your soul. Seek help from a reputable counselor to enable you to unravel the mess. At the same time, ask Christ to allow His Spirit to comfort and support you, as well as to repair and renew you. It won’t happen overnight, but it can be accomplished over time.

Point to ponder

What things am I constantly patching up that cannot be repaired? Am I willing to let Christ help me to recover?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, You know everything about us and are aware of our personal fears and failures. Help us to come to You for guidance and direction, to show us the way ahead and to lead us toward recovery. In Your Holy Name, we humbly pray. Amen.

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. Come and join us for worship on Sunday mornings at 11:00 AM. You will be made very welcome. 😊

Today’s image is one of John’s new Advent drawings. If you would like to see a larger version, please click this link: Advent1.