Psalm 69 Selected Verses 13-16(NIV)
13But I pray to you, Lord, in the time of your favor; in your great love, O God, answer me with your sure salvation.14 Rescue me from the mire, do not let me sink;……
16 Answer me, Lord, out of the goodness of your love; in your great mercy turn to me.
Are you afraid to ask for help? If you ask and they refuse, what would be the result? Would you be embarrassed? Probably. Is that a reason not to ask? Whom should you ask for help? Should you ask a difficult task of a stranger? Proverbs 18:24 says 24 One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. If you ask the wrong person, odds are it won’t get done. Who is that one who sticks closer than a brother that you can always ask for help?
There are several answers that could fit here. Some of us have made friends that stick closer than a brother. I had such a friend. That takes time. You have to allow them time to prove their commitment over the years. Proverbs mentions “a” friend who sticks closer than a brother. That is the Lord. In Him, we can always put our trust because He will answer you out of the goodness of His love. Through His guidance, we can also find earthly brothers and sisters who will walk with us and share blessings and burdens. That is important. While we all want someone to share a burden, it is very disappointing when we have great success and no one is there with whom we can celebrate. Either way, we were never meant to walk alone. Some people say they are self-made. That is another way of saying lonely. Do you walk alone? In whom do you put your trust? What if you knew one who was always ready, willing and able to share burden and blessings? You do!
Last night when I came out from my Bible Study, there was a man scraping the ice off my windshield. I had not asked him for help yet there he was doing me a good service. WOW. A random act of kindness! I thanked him and received the blessing. I am not good at receiving so this was special for me. What if you could give that feeling to others? What if you could lend assistance to someone before they even ask? That changes everything. Here is what I am suggesting. Look for people you can help. Be a friend to those around you. Shine your light in the dark places. Someone you meet today will be lonely and need a friend, a kind word, a thoughtful deed. Maybe they just need someone to listen. You have those blessings in you; why not let it out? Be a blessing today. Write me back and let me know how it went.
Lord, thank You for the gifts and talents You give us. Help us to use them for the benefit of others and to Your glory. Make us bold to step out and share Your love. In Your name we pray!