Tag: Prayer

Bible Studies

“Guilty by Association” LIVING IN BABYLON: The Book of Daniel

Loring Schultz

“The king was furious when he heard this, and he ordered that all the wise men of Babylon be executed. And because of the king’s decree, men were sent to find and kill Daniel and his friends.” Daniel 2:12-13 NLT

Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

Living in a godless society is like walking on eggshells for God-fearing people. It’s walking a tightrope high above a sea of debauchery. One false move and you either fall into it willingly and participate in the corruption, or you call on the Lord to sustain you through it. Christians often find themselves needing to choose between conforming to the accepted norms of the culture or take a stand for the Lord and the truth of His Word. We saw last week in our Biblical Insights on the book of Daniel, the stand Daniel took in refusing to eat the king’s food in violation of the Hebrew law. Offering a plan B to the king’s chief of staff to replace the food with vegetables and water was blessed by God. Daniel and his friends were well nourished and appeared healthier compared to the other trainees in Nebuchadnezzar’s court. This week we highlight the Lord’s blessing on the value of prayer while living in Babylon.  

Christians living in a godless culture may also find themselves guilty by association in a whimsical moment to convict all in a certain group whether guilty or not. Chapter 2 begins with Daniel in the royal service of King Nebuchadnezzar who has a disturbing dream that kept him up all night. “He called in his magicians, enchanters, sorcerers, and astrologers, and he demanded that they tell him what he had dreamed. As they stood before the king, he said, ‘I have had a dream that deeply troubles me, and I must know what it means.’” (Dan. 2:2-3 NLT) Needless to say, his so-called pagan wizards and astrologers had no clue. They needed the king to first tell them his dream and then they would conjure up something that sounded good to please the king. The king threatened to have them all executed if they couldn’t tell him the dream and then interpret it. The astrologers tried to convince Nebuchadnezzar by saying it was impossible for any human to tell beforehand a person’s dream. The pagan king then ordered the execution of all the wise men which Daniel was one.

Living in Babylon, a pagan culture, is not without hope. Daniel had seen the Lord’s hand at work in placing him and Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah in the king’s service. He knew they were not without hope for the Lord was with them. Daniel requested more time from the king, which was granted, and he and his three friends prayed to the God of heaven and sought His help in telling and interpreting the dream. The Lord answered by revealing the dream to Daniel and its interpretation in a vision that night. God does not forget those who are in His service even when placed in Babylon.

Daniel was then brought before King Nebuchadnezzar confirming what the others had told him, “There are no wise men, enchanters, magicians, or fortune-tellers who can reveal the king’s secret. But there is a God in heaven who reveals secrets, and he has shown King Nebuchadnezzar what will happen in the future.” (Dan. 2:27-28 NLT) Daniel then preceded to tell the king his dream providing the interpretation. The king’s dream is a prophecy partially fulfilled of all the world kingdoms from King Nebuchadnezzar in Babylon to the final kingdom to come of Christ’s kingdom at His second coming. Daniel completed by saying “The great God was showing the king what will happen in the future. The dream is true, and its meaning is certain.” (Dan. 2:45b NLT)

Photo by Ben Burkhardt on Unsplash

The Lord once again blessed Daniel by his promotion to ruler over the province of Babylon and chief of all Nebuchadnezzar’s wise men. Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah were also appointed over all the affairs of Babylon while Daniel served in the king’s court. There is a lesson for us today as we live in Babylon. The Lord can and will raise up those who are faithful to Him when faced with adversity or get pronounced guilty by association. A life of prayer is a must when living in a pagan culture. Daniel and his friends were in high positions in godless government system. Their example teaches us it is possible to live in the light of God’s Word living in Babylon as we continue to take a stand and bring everything before Him in prayer.

Read: Daniel 2:1-19, 46-49 NLT – Nebuchadnezzar’s Dream – One night – Bible Gateway

Devotionals

Praying Intelligently

Loring Schultz

“In the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.” Romans 8:26 NASB

Photo by Samuel Martins on Unsplash

            Most people find it hard to pray, let alone pray intelligently. Sometimes we lag searching for the right word or the correct sequence in expressing our concerns to God. We tend to think if not spoken correctly God may misunderstand what we are praying for. We’re afraid of missing some important details of our request due to our many distractions squashing the whole prayer. Even the most experienced prayer warriors discover distractions, lapses in concentration, and the never-ending mind wandering as part of their prayer time. But through all the distractions and trying to find the best way to express ourselves to God, we are assured we can pray intelligently.

Praying intelligently is not having all the i’s dotted and the t’s crossed, or systematically referenced for comprehension, but having the Holy Spirit guide you and speak for you when you don’t know what to say or how to say it. Paul writes in Romans, “In the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groaning too deep for words.” (8:26 NASB) We can take comfort in knowing the Holy Spirit knows and understands what we want to say and brings it before the Father. There are times when we find it difficult how to pray for a situation, the Holy Spirit is aware of that, and then there are times when we simply can’t pray at all, the Holy Spirit knows that too.

Our heavenly Father wants us to come before Him in prayer. As a father He desires the best for His children and wants to have quality time with us. We need to remember God knows what we need before we ask Him, and what we are going to ask Him before we ask. So why don’t we spend some quality time with our Father with the Holy Spirit as our helper and pray intelligently.

Devotionals

Spread it out before the Lord!

Loring Schultz

“Hezekiah received the letter from the messengers and read it. Then he went up to the temple of the LORD and spread it out before the LORD. And Hezekiah prayed to the LORD………” 2 Kings 19:14-15a NIV

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King Hezekiah of Judah was in dire straits. He was totally outmatched by the King of Assyria with his vast army of soldiers, horses and chariots. The king of Assyria sent messengers to taunt and instill fear into the people of Judah saying they did not stand a chance against their forces. Their intent was to convince them to surrender. (2 Kings 18) The messengers made their way to Hezekiah reminding him of Assyria’s most recent victories, completely destroying the nations in their path.

How many times do you feel outmatched in the events that surround your life? Circumstances beyond your control seep in unexpectedly and unwanted causing panic and uncertainty. You see no way out, no solution to your problem for you are in dire straits. Anxiety sets in clouding your thinking and you want to let off steam to anyone who will listen, anyone who can help.

There is one who can help, God. Take a lesson from King Hezekiah. The King took the letter and he “spread it out” before the Lord. Picture it in your mind; Hezekiah laying the letter before the Lord, detailed with the devastation that will come if they do not surrender. The Lord didn’t need to see the letter to know what it contained, He knew, but the visual presentation of giving it to God demonstrates Hezekiah’s faith that God was the only one who could take care of it. And God did. (2 Kings 19:35) Whatever your dire circumstance today, spread it out before the Lord!

Devotionals

Depending on God to Hear and Answer Our Prayer

Loring Schultz

“Then he said, ‘Don’t be afraid, Daniel. Since the first day you began to pray for understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your request has been heard in heaven. I have come in answer to your prayer.’” Daniel 10:12 NLT

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            Do you have the assurance you can depend on God both to hear and to answer your prayer? If you are struggling with prayers that haven’t been answered yet, or perhaps not answered in a way you find favorable, you might begin to doubt if God has even heard your request. Be assured that He has. However, we succumb to suspicion amid a long delay. Our tendency is to pray more feverously along with fasting pouring our heart out to God, which certainly is a good practice, but if we are doing this to ensure He has heard us or persuade His answer our way these prayers are fruitless.

            The Lord certainly desires us to be persistent in our prayers and we should be, but He also wants us to have a loving relationship with Him without all the requests. I remember my mother saying to me many years ago you only need to tell the Lord your request once, He will not forget and will answer in His timing and according to His will. You may have had an experience where God answered a prayer from long ago you forgot that request was made. I have been there many times. God does hear, He doesn’t forget, and He does answer.

            The prophet Daniel mourned and fasted for three weeks praying for an understanding of the visions he had seen. An angel, most likely Gabriel, came in answer to his prayer. The first thing he said after calming Daniel’s fears was God heard his prayer the first day Daniel prayed. His request was heard, and Gabriel came in answer to it. We can rest assured God will indeed do the same for us today. He does hear our prayers and is ready to answer in His time. Our requests are in the most secure safe deposit box with no chance of being lost or forgotten. We can depend on God to hear and answer our prayer.

Bible Studies

“Leave Nothing Undone” Conquering New Territory: The Book of Joshua (….through faith, courage, obedience, and devotion to the Word of God)

Loring Schultz

“Just as the LORD had commanded Moses his servant, so Moses commanded Joshua, and so Joshua did. He left nothing undone of all that the LORD had commanded Moses.” Joshua 11:15 ESV

            There will come a time in your new surroundings of your new territory where you will reach a comfortability level, mine is usually around the three to four month range. I hesitate to use the word ‘completion’ for in reality we are never completely finish with anything as long as we have breath. But becoming comfortable in your new territory is a sign you have been faithful in obeying God in His leading. You will see how the Lord directed as you look back over your introduction period. It is also a time to review if there is anything you may have left on the table, anything left undone that God has instructed you to do during your settling in to your new place.

            We look again to Joshua and the nation Israel as this study comes to a close. Israel had been led to the shores of the Jordan River after forty years of wandering in the wilderness. Leadership was passed down from Moses to Joshua to lead the people into the Promised Land. A side note here; the tribes of the Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh had already received their inheritance on the west side of the Jordan which is also part of the Promised Land. However, the fighting men from each tribe were to accompany their brothers in battle of conquering the new territory returning when the land was in control.

            Under Joshua’s leadership from the Lord’s commands Israel had great success as God opened up the Jordan River for them crossing over safely. They were led to victory over Jericho as the walls surrounding the city fell down flat. With the Lord’s miraculous help Joshua and the nation Israel continued clearing the land of their enemies until they had control of it. Overall, Israel was able to accomplish this as they followed God’s instructions of being strong, courageous, faithful and obedient to His commands.

            Several insights from God’s Word, apart from being strong, courageous, faithful, and obedient, were noted throughout the last ten weeks to encourage us in conquering our new territory. We learned not to dismiss those in our lives God has placed there, such as Rahab, the harlot. They may very well be used in aiding us through the tough terrain. Being totally committed to following the Lord and His instructions is vital. Joshua and the priests carrying the Ark of the Covenant of the Lord were totally committed as they set their feet in the waters of the Jordan River during flood stage and the people followed. (Perhaps you are setting an example for others by stepping out into the impossible, but possible with God) Remembering what the Lord has done for us also serves as an example and encouragement to others as they witness our lives.

            Our most important insight; Continual prayer and worshiping God is the foundation to our relationship with the one who is leading us in our move into our new territory. It is where we find the faith, strength, courage, and obedience to carry on, especially when things get tough as we saw last week with Israel faced with fighting a coalition of five armies. Above all, we have seen the faithfulness of God in supporting and fighting for Israel in entering the land that God had promised them they would be enter and would be theirs. We have also seen the forgiveness and restoration provided to us when we disobey and sin against God. It doesn’t alter His plans for us. It may set us back, but His plans still prevails

            If you have already reached your comfortability level in your new territory, or still have a ways to go, one last insight for you to remember when getting there. Leave nothing undone. The Bible tells of Joshua leaving nothing undone. “Just as the LORD had commanded Moses his servant, so Moses commanded Joshua, and so Joshua did. He left nothing undone of all that the LORD had commanded Moses.” (Jos. 11:15 ESV) Joshua followed through on all he was commanded and led to do. We are to do the same. Look carefully, observe well, and notice anything that may have been put aside for later but now needs to be done. Leave nothing undone and settle peaceably in the new territory God has for you. He has placed you there. He has plans for you there.

“So Joshua took control of the entire land, just as the LORD had instructed Moses. He gave it to the people of Israel as their special possession, dividing the land among the tribes. So the land finally had rest from war.” (Jos. 15:23 NLT)

Read Joshua 11, Israel Defeats the Northern Armies: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Joshua%2011&version=NLT

Bible Studies

“Your Miraculous Day” Conquering New Territory: The Book of Joshua (….through faith, courage, obedience, and devotion to the Word of God)

Loring Schultz

“There has never been a day like this one before or since, when the LORD answered such a prayer. Surely the LORD fought for Israel that day!” Joshua 10:14 NLT

            Moving into a new stage in life is difficult as we have been examining for several weeks now. Adjustments need to be made, accepted, and adhered to. Wisdom in determining your priorities are essential in on-going decision making as you proceed through your new territory. All these under the direction of God who is leading you through it with your faith, courage, obedience and trust in Him. Managing through the tough times with the Lord’s help is such an encouragement and motivates us to keep going as well feel His blessings. We are thankful for His help and guidance for even the small things, for even the small things add up to a big thing. And sometimes a big thing can be so overwhelming you cannot imagine or see your way through it. But God has not stopped leading you and is about to see you through as only He can.

            Joshua and the nation of Israel had been under the Lord’s guidance through a miraculous crossing of the Jordan River, conquering the city of Jericho and Ai after a second attempt due to their sin. They had partaken of the fruit of the land as the manna stopped once settled in the Promised Land. They were beginning to feel confident and comfortable in their position leading them to make the mistake of not seeking the Lord in a matter they deemed a small thing. That small thing of making a treaty with Gibeon turned out to be a big thing. We at times begin to get over confident when things go well for us forgetting that it is the Lord who is accomplishing His work through us. Although this gets us into a mess at times, the Lord has not abandon us and will see us through as He did for Joshua and Israel.

            In Joshua chapter 10 we learn that five surrounding cities have allied together to attack Gibeon who made the treaty with Israel. Gibeon fearful of the outcome sought Joshua and Israel for their help in this battle. But now instead of fighting one city at a time, Israel was faced with the five armies of the Amorite kings at once. Overconfidence by trusting in ourselves does not always work to our advantage as Israel is about to find out.

            Our Lord is gracious to us even in our downfalls. He was gracious to Joshua and his fighting men as they approached the battle scene. A message from the Lord that was very familiar was spoken once again, “’Do not be afraid of them,’ the LORD said to Joshua, ‘for I have given you victory over them. Not a single one of them will be able to stand up to you.’” (Jos. 10:8 NLT) Once again Joshua is assured victory with the Lord’s help. The Bible says God threw the invading armies in a panic and Joshua and his men slaughtered them in great numbers. The Lord God also sent a hail storm upon the retreating Amorite armies killing more of them than were killed in battle with Joshua. The Lord indeed was fighting for Israel. As much as a miracle that was, Joshua receives another miracle as an answer to his prayer marking this as his miraculous day.

            Joshua prayed, “’….Let the sun stand still over Gibeon, and the moon over the valley of Aijalon.’ So the sun stood still and the moon stayed in place until the nation of Israel had defeated its enemies.” (Jos. 10:12b-13a NLT) What a spectacular event! The sun stood in its place allowing Joshua’s army additional daylight and time to defeat their enemies. There are several theories as to the meaning of the sun standing still. Some say an eclipse of the sun occurred providing them with shade, others view it as language of observation in that Joshua’s army only felt the day was longer as they were able to accomplish the victory, and then others as myself, claim that the sun did indeed stand still. It was a miracle by the creator God who spoke the universe into existence now suspended the earth from rotating in its normal pattern for a day.

            If you are currently in a bad place in your new territory by your own doing and see no way out way of the tunnel you drove yourself into, ask the Lord to help you see the His light at the end of that tunnel. Ask Him to extend the daylight in your battle, whatever it is, long enough for you to see clearly His direction and allow Him to continue to fight your battles. Do not get overconfident in trusting yourself and end up in bad place, but if you do ask the Lord to extend to you, ‘your miraculous day.’

Read Joshua 10:1-15, Israel Defeats the Southern Armies: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Joshua%2010%3A1-15&version=NLT

A Christian Perspective

A Call to Prayer for the Nation

Loring Schultz

For the Christian “A Call to Prayer” should never need to be called for. The sad fact is for some Christians it needs to be, and also the church. We’ve become all too complacent with our lives. We are either too busy, or think we have got it covered, or God knows all our needs and He will take care of it. Some Christians call on God only when a real disaster strikes them in their family, or when a major crisis occurs in our country or somewhere around the world. We are then ready and feel the need to pray either by ourselves, or with our families, or with the church family.

Photo by David Renken on Pexels.com

Such a need has been felt in the United States since January 6, 2021. The nation’s capital, the beacon of democracy and freedom, had been overrun by insurgents with violence causing destruction, desecration, injuries, and loss of life. The political aftermath the last three years has added more confusion, frustration, and division among the people. We would be wise to remember it is God who has the ultimate authority and who established the rule of law. This same God, the creator of all things, has given this authority to men and women to govern and to rule maintaining law and order where they serve.

The terrorist attack on Israel led by Hamas has also heighten divisions between supporters of the Jews and supporters of the Palestinian people here in the United States. This country has been in deep division since the year 2000 and is growing deeper. Sadly we are at a point where it doesn’t take a major crisis or a war to add fuel to the burning house of division in the nation.  

So, as Christians we are to pray as Paul instructs us in 1 Timothy, “I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people.” Paul’s concern, as ours should be, is that all would come to know the true God, helping them understand His Word, interceding for them, and thanking God for them. We are to also pray for those who rule over us that they may also come to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ, and as Paul says, “so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity.”

Christians call to prayer is always to be for the Salvation of all people, including those who rule over us whether we agree with them of not. Nero, the ruler in Paul’s day, was a great blasphemer and persecuted the Christians, yet Paul said to pray for him. What will heal the division today in the United States than our leaders leading in a way, “so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity.” Let all Christians heed the call to prayer, individually, in our homes, and in the church.

Bible Studies

“Pray for Everything” Conquering New Territory: The Book of Joshua (….through faith, courage, obedience, and devotion to the Word of God)

Loring Schultz

“So the Israelites examined their food, but they did not consult the LORD.” Joshua 9:14 NLT

            In a fallen world there are many forms of deception. I believe in the 21st century where we are living, we have seen the most ingenious methods to deceive even the most intelligent unsuspecting candidate. Most, if not all, scammers are one step ahead of many of their victims. They have nothing to do all day but to plan their next great deceptive scheme. There have been tragic results over the years of people losing everything they ever own by deception. Some were naïve in trusting what they thought they knew, others were taken in by scams that gave the impression they are from creditable, even official government sources, and then there are those who are taken in by their own greed looking to make that fast buck in a ‘guaranteed’ investment. The greatest tragedy is not having consulted the Lord God in prayer about any decision no matter how small it is, or think you can handle it on your own. The Lord wants you to confide in Him in prayer as He continually directs you in your new territory.

            Joshua and the leaders of Israel failed to consult the Lord on a matter they thought they were able to handle without His guidance. They forgot the Lord God was leading them, and He was the one in charge. Joshua was leading the people, but God was leading Joshua and the nation of Israel as a whole. Perhaps overconfidence played a part due to their recent victory at Ai when they were approached by a delegation from Gibeon six miles down the road presenting themselves as coming from a foreign nation in a far distant land. They had come to seek a peace treaty with Israel after Jericho and Ai were destroyed and figured they were next. Their deception was well thought out. Joshua 9:12-13 describes the great lengths they went to deceiving Israel, “This bread was hot from the ovens when we left our homes. But now, as you can see, it is dry and moldy. These wineskins were new when we filled them, but now they are old and split open. And our clothing and sandals are worn out from our very long journey.” (NLT) Israel fell to the deception by what they saw. They felt no need to ask God for His guidance after observing their clothing, food rations and speaking with the delegation. However, not everything is as it seems.

            Failure to pray about every situation that comes into our lives will have devastating consequences, especially when we are still adjusting to our new space. Don’t forget, God brought you to your current place and He is not done leading you, nor will He ever be. Israel forgot that and made a treaty with the people of Gibeon who they were to destroy. “Then Joshua made a peace treaty with them and guaranteed their safety, and the leaders of the community ratified their agreement with a binding oath. Three days after making the treaty, they learned that these people actually lived nearby!” (Jos. 9:15-16 NLT) Israel was deceived.

            After Joshua found out the truth of who the Gibeonites were and they were neighbors, he made them servants tending to carrying water and woodcutting. Since the treaty was made in the name of Jehovah, it was sacred and could not be broken. Joshua honored the treaty allowing them to live.

            Some Bible passages are hard for us to understand, but if we ask for the Lord’s help as we search the scriptures He will give great insights. We have seen many insights we can apply to our lives from Joshua and Israel conquering their new territory. Today see the importance of praying for everything. There are a lot of matters we handle ourselves without falling into a trap of deception. With that being said, in conclusion I leave you with an excerpt from a yesteryear devotional from the late Dr. Robert A. Cook;

“Pray your way through the day. Pray when you wake up so you won’t greet the family with a snarl. Pray on your way to school or to work. Pray before you tackled the first job of the day, whatever it may be. Pray before you answer the phone…. .Pray before you open a letter…… Pray before you make a decision. Pray before you hire a person and before you fire one, if you have to. Pray before you enter a business deal……Pray your way through the day.” (1)

            Praying our way through the day makes good sense, that way we cover everything both large and small. Remember you haven’t been here before, allow God to make decisions for you. ‘Pray for everything’. He will make it clear what to do and you won’t be deceived.

Read Joshua 9, The Gibeonites Deceive Israel: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Joshua%209&version=NLT

  • Cook, Robert. Today With The King, Wheaton, Scripture Press, 1985.
Devotionals

Are you praying for your Pastor?

Loring Schultz

“Dear brothers and sisters, honor those who are your leaders in the Lord’s work. They work hard among you and give you spiritual guidance. Show them great respect and wholehearted love because of their work.” 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13a NLT

            The start of the 21st century has brought with it scandals of inappropriate behavior and abuse by certain clergy members. What is most disturbing in what is being revealed is the fact that it had been going on for some time in the last century. This is not isolated to one particular church as it crosses denominational lines. The abuse and corruption has done severe damage to the victims and to the Lord’s church. The testimony and the effectiveness of the church has been put in jeopardy by the sinful actions of those who are put in charge to shepherd the people.

            But the fact remains there are many more faithful Pastors than those who misrepresent the Lord’s calling. Their work though has been made more difficult in the light of this evil conduct. Being a Pastor is not an easy job. Sincere Pastors experience more temptations, pressures, and skepticism in their work for the Lord than any other profession. Enemy number one is Satan himself who will do all he can along with his demons to destroy the work of Pastors and eventually destroy them. Of all the successful people in the workplace today, the one with the largest target on his back is the faithful Pastor.

            The apostle Paul urged the church in Thessalonica to respect and love their leaders (Pastors). They feed the flock spiritual food for guidance and to help them grow in Christ. Pastors work hard doing the Lord’s work. Paul also encourages us today to honor our Pastors. They are called by God for His work. Pastors are God’s Anointed.

            May you be encouraged to pray for your Pastor at the church you attend. When Pastors are asked, “What is the one thing that I can do for you?” Most will answer, Pray for your Pastor!  

Devotionals

Who Do You Go To When You Are Distressed?

Loring Schultz

“In my distress I prayed to the LORD, and the LORD answered me and set me free.” Psalm 118:5 NLT

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            There are not two people living on this earth who are exactly alike. Even identical twins with many similarities have differences between them. There is no one who has your fingerprints, they are yours and yours alone. Your emotions, characteristics, and your stress level are also yours and yours alone. Certain social and economic structures, worldwide events, natural disasters, and environmental issues may cause like symptoms of stress between individuals, but each reacts according to their own specific blueprint. Each one, if need be, seeks out professional help in dealing with the stress in their life as it effects them directly. But there is one professional who is able to meet everyone’s stress level as only He can, the Lord God.

            Please note I am not suggesting professional help is not necessary, I thank the Lord for the professional and medical experts He has blessed us with and they are to be of service to us using the talents and wisdom God has given them. Having said that, just as you would visit a doctor who specializes in treating your specific need, the Lord God knows you intimately and is able to comfort you when feeling distressed. The pressures of the world that come upon us can make us feel like everything is against us. But Psalm 118:6-7 says, “The LORD is for me, so I will have no fear. What can mere people do to me? Yes, the LORD is for me; he will help me. I will look in triumph at those who hate me.” (NLT)

             The Lord wants us to look to Him in our times of distress in this world. He wants us to trust Him over people giving us advice or governing authorities who do have our best interests at heart. So who do you go to when you are distressed? By all means get the professional help you need, and more importantly go to the Lord in prayer trusting Him to help and guide you in your distress.

Read the text Psalm 118:5-9: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+118%3A5-9&version=NLT