Finding Help When We Feel Lost - Encouragement for Today - June 18, 2018
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June 18, 2018 |
“For God has unveiled them and revealed them to us through the [Holy] Spirit; for the Spirit searches all things [diligently], even [sounding and measuring] the [profound] depths of God [the divine counsels and things far beyond human understanding].” 1 Corinthians 2:10 (AMP)
We hiked up the gorgeous trail. My legs ached. I could only imagine how it stretched the legs of the two little guys behind me. The 3-year-old and 5-year-old started the hike with energy and enthusiasm, which was now clearly lagging. Hearing a wail, I turned to check on them. The 3-year-old lay crumpled in a heap.
“You left me!” he wailed.
His father (walking behind him) had eyes on him, but for just a moment our little one lost sight of us. His dad knelt and scooped him up.
I heard him whisper, “Son, if you think you are lost, just stop. Don’t move even a step, and I’ll come to you as quick as I can.”
There are times I have felt like this little guy.
I’m trekking along in my faith, loving the journey, and suddenly I feel alone or uncertain. That can happen when my faith is challenged by those who don’t believe. It can take place when God asks me to do something new, and I want to hold on to the old. It can absolutely sneak up on me when I don’t feel Him holding me as close as I used to.
In the book of First Corinthians, Paul is writing to the church of Corinth. He had planted a thriving church, but things went wrong after he left. Believers were fighting among themselves. They were arguing about what was true … and what was not. The result was that many believers felt a little lost.
In his letter, Paul reminds them of what he has taught them. He reminds them of the foundational truths of their faith. And, in today’s key verse, Paul assures them of a Helper who knows the heart of the Father, and therefore who will help us know what to believe and what to do:
“For God has unveiled them and revealed them to us through the [Holy] Spirit; for the Spirit searches all things [diligently], even [sounding and measuring] the [profound] depths of God [the divine counsels and things far beyond human understanding]” (1 Corinthians 2:10).
Maybe you, too, feel a little lost sometimes. We all do at one time or another.
When that happens, it’s time for us to stop right where we are, so we can listen for the voice of the Helper. Sometimes that comes through Scripture or a godly friend. Sometimes it’s deep inside of us, and when we are still, we can hear that gentle voice.
Paul describes this Helper as a Counselor who knows the plans the Father has for you. He knows what you are trying to say as you cry out. (Romans 8:26-27)
He understands the difference between truth, almost truth, and lies, and He will always lead you toward truth. (John 16:13)
The Helper moves us beyond our own understanding. We are given a glimpse beyond our feelings. Beyond the circumstances. Beyond the chaos.
Whether we’re trekking uphill, loving every minute, or crumpled on the ground in uncertainty, we can trust there is a Helper who knows who we are and where we are going. We may not know the exact destination of our journey, but we can take the next step with assurance.
For God knows exactly where we are, for He has never taken His eyes off us. Not for a second.
Father, when I feel lost, remind me that my safe place is always You. May I come to You first. May I call out Your Name first. Thank You that You are near, and that You have promised a Helper all along the way. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
TRUTH FOR TODAY:
Romans 8:26, “In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.” (NIV)
RELATED RESOURCES:
Suzie Eller’s newest book, The Spirit-Led Heart: Living a Life of Love and Faith Without Borders, introduces the Helper and how He impacts our day-to-day faith.
Why does God’s plan for our lives sometimes feel like a complicated puzzle to solve? Life would be so much simpler if He would just tell us whether or not to take that job, move to that city or go to that church. In Thy Will Be Done, a new six-week devotional, you’ll find a practical, topical collection of some of our favorite devotions aimed at seeking God’s direction. Get your copy today, free with a donation of your choice! Click here to learn more.
CONNECT:
Join Suzie on her blog for a beautiful printable ready to print and frame: “The Spirit-Led Heart Manifesto.” Or, connect with Suzie on Facebook.
REFLECT AND RESPOND:
How can you know if what you are hearing is the Holy Spirit?
- The Holy Spirit will never contradict God’s Word.
- The Holy Spirit won’t appease our hearts to defy the Father’s.
- The Holy Spirit’s voice is tenacious. In His mercy, He finds us wherever we’re hiding, gently nudges and tugs, and offers a right-now word that leads, directs, comforts, encourages or points to understanding that isn’t there in the natural.
How do you rely on the Holy Spirit in your life? What would change if you let Him be more involved? Let us know in the comments.
© 2018 by Suzie Eller. All rights reserved.
Proverbs 31 Ministries
630 Team Rd., Suite 100
Matthews, NC 28105
www.Proverbs31.org
