Although it has been nine years since our nation was attacked by radical Islamic terrorist it seems as though it were only yesterday. Our hearts are still sadden by the loss of lives and the suffering of so many people. In times such as these we must remember to rely on the Lord. The word “rely” means “to lean upon the Lord” as one does on a staff for support. Here are five inner qualities that are the results of relying on Christ.
Lean on Christ for PEACE. Isaiah 26:3-4 reads, “You will keep in perfect PEACE him whose mind is steadfast, because he trust in You. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord, is the Rock eternal” (NIV). We cannot avoid strife in the world around us, but with God we can know perfect peace even in turmoil.
Lean on Christ for HOPE. Psalm 39:7 reads, “And now, Lord, for what do I wait? My hope is in You.” We humans can live weeks without food, days without water, minutes without air, but we can’t live one second without hope.
Lean on Christ for COURAGE. Deuteronomy 31:6 reads, “Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the Lord thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee” (KJV). Notice this verse encourages us to “fear not” because the Lord will “fail not” nor “forsake not.”
Lean on Christ for WISDOM. James 1:5 reads, “But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him” (NASB). Vance Havner once wrote, “If you lack knowledge, go to school. If you lack wisdom, get on your knees.”
Lean on Christ for STRENTH. Psalm 46:1 reads, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (NASB). God is our refuge – He hides us. God is our strength – He helps us.
Pastor Martin Meimuller survived three years in a Nazi death camp. He once wrote, “You are much stronger than you think when God dwells in you."
These five inner qualities will sustain you in any crisis.
A LITTLE HUMOR:
Billy Graham told of a time early in his ministry when he arrived in a small town to preach a revival. Wanting to mail a letter, he asked a young boy where the post office was. When the boy had told him, Graham thanked him and said, “If you’ll come to the church this evening, you can hear me give directions on how to get to heaven.” “I don’t think I’ll be there,” the boy replied. “You don’t even know how to get to the post office.”
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