..standing by.
August 20, 2010 (Friday)
Jesus was on the shore of a lake as he taught people and healed those who were sick. The crowd was large and some were trying to touch Jesus in order to be healed. In response to this, Jesus asked his disciples to have a little boat standing by in case they had to withdraw for safety. The crowd had no evil intentions, but the potential for someone getting hurt was present. So the little boat was standing by.
In much the same way, Jesus Himself is standing by for those who feel insecure or unsafe for reasons that vary from time to time and from person to person.
Jesus is standing by for those who are tired. Our culture values hard work and perseverance. People get up before daylight and come home after dark. Many people today are just plain tired. When one is exhausted, he/she finds life much more difficult. To these, Jesus says, “Come unto me, all ye who are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:19).
Jesus is standing by for those who are troubled. Life gets hard sometimes. Many are suffering physical, mental or emotional distress. It’s not hard to meet someone each day who is undergoing unbearable stress. To these, the LORD opens His loving arms and offers comfort and peace: “Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you and you shall glorify Me.” (Psalm 50:15). Jesus is standing by.
Jesus is standing by for those who are tempted. Satan knows us well. He knows our weaknesses, and he convinces us somehow that “wrong” is “right.” We are tempted to make unwise and/or bad decisions, thinking all the while that it’s the best thing under the circumstances. When temptation is strong, remember the Bible says, “God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear” (1 Corinthians 10:13).
When we have gone through a difficult period in our lives, we may need to recall the words of a popular sacred song, “He was there all the time.” Standing by.