Where Do You Turn?

Isaiah 38 : 1 - 2, In those days Hezekiah was sick and near death. And Isaiah the prophet, the son of Amoz, went to him and said to him, "Thus says the LORD: 'Set your house in order, for you shall die and not live.'" Then Hezekiah turned his face toward the wall, and prayed to the LORD... NKJV

Where do you turn when trouble invades your life? Please take more than a fleeting moment to think about my question to you. Really meditate on what your past decisions and actions were when you ran into difficult situations that overwhelmed you. All of us have a propensity to want to run to a person or a "crutch or vice" when trouble comes knocking on our door. However, as children of God, God should be the One to whom we turn in times of weakness or trouble. 

When we place our hope and trust in someone or something in a time of great need, we reveal what is in our heart by our decision. While we may find a temporary comfort and ally in a thing or a person, Jesus is the only Friend who will stick with you faithfully to the end. 

Too many times, we, as Christians make the mistake of turning to men, tangible things, or fun times for the solace that can only be found in Christ. As a result, we open ourselves to be inflicted with an even greater pain coupled with disappointment because those we trusted in weren't there for us. Both men and the things from this world are at best a very limited source of comfort and strength. We must understand and acknowledge that we are placing ourselves in a vulnerable situation when we turn to something other than God for what He alone can provide for us. 

When we repeatedly choose to turn to people and vices for the help and comfort that only God can consistently offer us, it can cause us to either lose or fragment valuable relationships. Therefore, we must choose to place God at the top when it comes to seeking a "very present Help" in times of trouble or weakness. When we practice this very simple but profound principle, it will protect us and the relationships that we value the most. 

Jeremiah tells us that we are blessed when we place our complete hope in the Lord. It's good to have family and friends there for us when we're in need as a limited source of comfort and strength. Nevertheless, we must never choose them or any other thing over turning to God. King Hezekiah knew exactly what to do when Isaiah spoke the word of the Lord to him. He chose to turn toward the wall and pray to God for mercy and an extension on his life. No one on earth has the power to extend life but God. Therefore, this is a perfect example of what we should do when "hard" times hit our lives. As a result of the King's decision, God heard his prayer and extended his life fifteen years. Only God!

Turning to God,
Pastor Asa Dockery