16th September 2023

Relax and rest

Not long ago, I stumbled over a bump on the sidewalk and ended up sprawled all over the hard cement. I was embarrassed, but the only other damage was a few bruises and bent eyeglasses. Sometimes stumbling can be a bit more serious and can cause major damage to our bodies or even our lives. We stumble in many ways – verbally, financially, in relationships and in our thinking. But just as I picked myself up and kept going, with God’s help we can usually shake it off and get back on our feet.

It’s always a good strategy to ask God for help before we go face down on the pavement and to praise him when he keeps us from falling. I love Psalm 116:7-8 in The Message: “I said to myself, “Relax and rest. God has showered you with blessings. Soul, you’ve been rescued from death; Eye, you’ve been rescued from tears; And you, Foot, were kept from stumbling.” 

When we take a wrong step in any way, we know he’s there to help us. We can rejoice as the psalmist did, because we know he “takes the side of the helpless” and when we’re at the end of our rope, he saves us (v.6). 

Even though we take little tumbles now and then, we can count on God to be our safety net. You might want to memorize Psalm 116:7-8 and when you feel you’re at the end of your rope, read the entire psalm for the encouragement to get up and keep going, praising him and loving him for his kindness and compassion.

Study by Tammy Tkach

First published on 22 August 2023, at www.gemsofgodsgrace.wordpress.com

About the writer:
Tammy Tkach is the Assistant Pastor of the Eugene, Oregon, USA, Grace Communion International congregation. She is a speaker and writer, and publishes a blog at www.gemsofgodsgrace.wordpress.com  

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