I can be in yesterday, today, and tomorrow – and still never let go of your hand.It follows, then, that his power to save those who come to God through him is absolute, since he lives forever to intercede for them. – Hebrews 7:25 (New Jerusalem Bible)
Jesus tells us: I am the Creator and Ruler of time and space. I am not subject to the same limitations that you are. I am able to be everywhere at every time. I have always been with you. I know every struggle and every success that you have ever had. I am right here with you now, helping you through this day. And I go on ahead of you into the future, so that I know what is coming in your life and I can prepare you for it. I am always.
Jesus concludes… Give your worries about tomorrow to Me, and I will carry them for you. I will be right beside you, holding your hand.
Hebrews 7:25; Isaiah 41:10; Psalm 37:3-4
Footnotes Hebrews 7:25 Christ’s priesthood is sinless, perfect, unending, and decreed as such by God. The Levitical priesthood was temporary, flawed, imperfect, and could not last forever. Jesus is the only perpetual mediator and savior of the whole humanity. Christ is always alive to intercede by purifying the conscience of the believers, thanks to His offering of Himself.
Passage Isaiah 41:10 Do not be afraid, for I am with you; do not be alarmed, for I am your God. I give you strength, truly I help you, truly I hold you firm with my saving right hand.
Footnotes Isaiah 41:10 All that God asks of His people is to open their eyes and trust Him, to cling to the hope given them in the Gospel. We often have the impression of achieving little or nothing, yet in reality the whole venture is in our will to exist and resist. The return from exile would be a matter of small caravans, meeting many difficulties, but the nation rose again and the salvation history continued to be written.
Passage Psalm 37:3-4 3 Put your trust in Yahweh and do right, make your home in the land and live secure. 4Make Yahweh your joy and he will give you your heart’s desires.
Footnotes Psalm 37:3-4 Do not get discouraged when others cause you difficulties or when they multiply little vexations. Keep calm and have courage. Time works for God. History turns against those who impose their truth. This passage encourages godly wisdom. Those who reject God and His ways can expect uncertainty on earth and disaster in eternity. Trusting in the Lord is the only secure place we have in a world that lies in the evil one. If we acknowledge Him in all our ways and trust Him in all the ups and downs of life, He will direct our goings out and our comings in and He will govern our lives in a way that is best for us, and those around us.
THE WORLD…we see history
Financial Fears
I sat in the car, looking at the sign on the door of the food shelf office: “Closed until Friday.” It was Wednesday. I had two hungry children and myself; I had no money. I laid my head on the steering wheel. I couldn’t take it anymore. I had been so strong, so brave, so trusting for so long. I was a single parent with two children, recently divorced. I had worked so courageously at being grateful for what I had, while setting financial goals and working at believing I deserved the best. I had put up with so much poverty, so much deprivation. Daily, I worked the Eleventh Step. I worked so hard at praying for knowledge of God’s will for me only, and the power to carry it through. I believed I was doing what I needed to do in my life. I wasn’t lollygagging. I was doing my best, working my hardest. And there just wasn’t enough money. Life had been a struggle in many ways, but the financial struggle seemed endless.
The WORD…we see Jesus, His Story!
Money isn’t everything, but it takes money to solve certain problems. I was sick of “letting go” and “letting go” and “letting go.” I was sick of “acting as if” I had enough money. I was tired of having to work so hard daily at letting go of the pain and fear about not having enough. I was tired of working so hard at being happy without having enough. Actually, most of the time I was happy. I had found my soul in poverty. But now that I had my soul and myself, I wanted some money too.
While I sat in the car trying to compose myself, I heard God speak to me in that silent, still voice that whispers gently to our souls. “You don’t ever have to worry about money again, child. Not unless you want to. I told you that I would take care of you. And I will.” Great, I thought. Thanks a lot. I believe you. I trust you. But look around. I have no money. I have no food. And the food shelf is closed. You’ve let me down. Again, I heard His voice in my soul: “You don’t have to worry about money again. You don’t have to be afraid. I promise to meet all your needs.” I went home, called a friend, and asked to borrow some money. I hated borrowing, but I had no choice. My breakdown in the car was a release, but it didn’t solve a thing—that day. There was no check in the mailbox. But I got food for the day. And the next day. And the next. Within six months, my income doubled. Within nine months, it tripled. Since that day, I have had hard times, but I have never had to go without—not for more than a moment in time. Now, I have enough. Sometimes I still worry about money because that seems to be habitual. But now I know I don’t have to, and I know I never did.