Daily Bread for 5-08-10

Psalm 18:28-29 – LORD, you have brought light to my life; my God, you light up my darkness.  In your strength I can crush an army; with my God I can scale any wall.

Today my son and I were out and about.  Nick turns 3 next month, and his goal right now is to do everything by himself.  That’s a good thing, the kid’s got drive.  On days like today, however, when I’m running a wee bit behind, I really have to hold myself back and let him do it.  I’ve read the parenting books, I know how it goes.  Helicopter parents who hover and swoop in to do everything raise individuals that can’t hack it on their own.  Got it.

Today, the issue was a staircase.  A long, cement staircase with steep steps.  Not wanting to be the helicopter mom, I followed about one step behind, ready at a moment’s notice to break the fall if need be.  Although the stairs made me a little nervous, Nick was great.  One little moment where he stumbled, but I was there, and up he climbed again.

I wish my faith were more like Nick’s.  Stretch a little with me here.  Nick never has a problem tackling things in life.  Why?  Because he knows I’m there.  He couldn’t see me behind him, didn’t know my arms were outstretched and ready; he just climbed on, trusting that I would catch him if he fell.  Ah…faith like a child.

David had no problem with this concept, either.  He knew that through his own strength, he could do little.  But through His God he could scale any wall and crush an army.

What are you going through right now?  Be assured, God knows exactly where you are.  Valley, plateau or mountain top…when He leads you to it He leads you through it.  I’ve spent some time in a few dark places.  LORD, you have brought light to my life; my God, you light up my darkness.  I’ve also stared up at a few giants that looked remarkably like Goliath, and thought, “How in the world am I going to get out of this?  How in the world am I going to get through it?” Not by my own strength, that’s for sure.  In your strength I can crush an army; with my God I can scale any wall.

The next time you’re standing in front of a mountain that looks impossible to climb, remember my son on the stairs.  It was a long flight of steep steps…with a pool of concrete waiting at the bottom.  But he forged ahead, knowing he could count on me to help.  Just because we can’t see God doesn’t mean he’s not there.  I promise…He is.  He’ll light up the dark and give you strength to crush armies!

Today, ask God to give you a whole new perspective on problems.  When you stand in front of Goliath by yourself, he looks pretty big.  But when you stand him next to God…what Goliath??  Ask God to give you a fresh infusion of faith and the courage to climb mountains!  Ask Him to give you strength, and the certainty of His Presence at all times.  God bless you today!