God, help !

Wednesday 23 June 2021

God, help !

Your strength will be in calmness and confidence. Isaiah 30.15

Count Palatine George Jean, known as “Jerrihans” (1543-1592) ruled Petite Pierre (Bas-Rhin). He is known for this motto which he applied to himself : "Human strength is not a way, the way is in the care of God."

This thought invites me to remember several difficult situations, where I tried to cope on my own, with no positive results. Faced with exhaustion, I called on God for help, begging him to guide me out of my ordeal. The solution came when I "let go" of the injunction, "You have to force yourself."

I am by no means saying that nothing should be done. It is better to collaborate with God than to wear yourself out relying on your own strength. The message transmitted by the prophet Isaiah (cf. suggested reading) remains relevant in the 21st century : “Indeed, the Lord is a God of equity. Happy are all those who rely on him !"

Francis Praline

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Proposed reading : Book of the Prophet Isaiah, chapter 30, verses 15 to 18.

30.15 For this is what the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel, said : Return to me and rest will be your salvation ; in peace and trust will be your strength, but you did not want it !

30.16 You said : No ! We will run away on horseback ! That is why you will run away. We will ride fast horses ! That's why your pursuers will be quick.

30.17 A thousand will flee at the threat of one ; you will flee at the threat of five men, until there is nothing left of you but a remnant as a perch on the top of the mountain like a standard on the hill.

30.18 However, the LORD waiteth only for the time to be gracious to you, therefore he will rise up to show his compassion to you. Indeed, the Lord is a God of equity. Happy are all those who rely on him !

Source (Live Today)