Find Help in Jesus
“Rob had dug his hole so deep, he didn’t know what else to do.”
Life is hard. I wish it wasn’t. I wish everything were easy, and pain and heartache didn’t exist. But that is not how life is, is it? We have to work at things. We have to make decisions on what is right and wrong- what is true and what is a lie. We have to learn to balance obligations and responsibilities, and sometimes we mess up big; sometimes we do okay.
We look around and see others who seem to have it easy, but I can guarantee even those people have situations in their lives that are difficult. Joe, Ann, and Rob are each examples of that type of person - people who live life on a lake and enjoy time together. Someone so kind and empathetic that he would go in debt to help someone else. Good people. Yes. Good people with difficult things buried deep. Yes.
“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
The story of Joe, Ann, and Rob is the story of life, love, hopelessness, heartache, and renewal. It reminds us how hard life can be and the hopelessness that can sometimes overtake us. It tells how to overcome when life gets hard. It reveals that there are not always “happy endings” in life, and gives clues as to how we can deal with tragedy. That is what we need. We need help knowing, “what do we do?”
Can you relate? Are you Joe, Ann, or Rob?
If you are a parent who has lost a child to suicide; fall into the merciful and loving arms of God. He is the source of all comfort and peace. He cares for you. Tell Him everything. Let Him walk with you and help carry the burden and heartache you bear. He is a friend who is closer than a brother. (Proverbs 18:24) He is a wonderful counselor. (Isaiah 9:6) He understands. He knows. (Psalm 44:21)
“Cast your burden on the LORD, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved.”
If you are Rob, hear my heart. The negative thoughts you have are not your own. The Bible teaches that the devil is a master deceiver, and he roars like a lion to try to coerce us into places we should not go, or force us into things we would not normally do. He can be loud. He can be cunning and sinister. He can make you think there is no way out and no answer except the one he suggests. He is a liar. Jesus is your answer. Don’t discount the love from God who created you. Don’t ignore His outstretched hand. Don’t refuse His way. Ask Jesus for help.
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.”
Whichever participant in this story you identify with, you are not alone. It is already known by God. He is ready, even waiting for you to finally give up and let Him take it for you. Turn to Jesus and find peace and deliverance in Christ.
Finally, sometimes there is a spirit of oppression that can present itself to you and seem overwhelming. No matter who you are, do not give into it. It is another attack from that loud roaring lion that has no power over you unless you give it to him. Do not give in to that. Call upon Jesus Christ. Kneel at the foot of His cross in your heart and mind, and ask for His mercy and help. It is no small battle you face, but the fact that you face it means you are of great value to God. The devil wants to steal you, your life, and your purposes. Do not give him that victory. Your victory is in Jesus Christ. Cry out to Him for help, and He will meet you where you are. Do not give in to thoughts or voices that tell you otherwise. They are lies from the pit of hell that exist only to destroy you. Do not give in to them. God is your answer. God is your strength. God is your peace. God is your rest. Rest in His ways. Choose His yoke. Walk with Him. He will help. He loves you more than you can imagine. Be free from the antagonist and the chains that wear you down. Turn to Christ and be free.
If you relate to this story and these words, pray this to God:
Heavenly Father,
I need your help. I am struggling with this burden and these attacks and I need Your help to move forward in a good way. I submit to Your way, God. I ask You to forgive me of all my mistakes, failures, and sins. Please come into my heart and save me. Thank You, Father, for knowing and caring about me. I choose to follow You right now, today, and for the rest of my life. Thank You, Jesus. Amen.