Just When I Need Him

Daily Reading: Hebrews 3-4

Scripture Focus: For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. (Hebrews 4.15-16)

Devotional Thought: I was recently talking with some friends of mine who told me about an experience they had when their son was in school. He had gotten into some minor trouble, and they had been called in to meet with the counselor. When they arrived for the appointment, they found that the counselor didn't have children of her own and was barely older than the students! She proceeded to tell them just what they needed to do to raise their son. Needless to say, her advice fell flat. She was unable to truly identify with them.

God knew that we needed not only a Savior, but we needed a Savior with whom we could identify. So, Jesus came into this world not as a superhero, but as a common, ordinary person. While he didn't experience every exact thing that we go through, he did experience representative temptations and trials. He got hungry just like us. His body grew weary. He got exasperated with thick-headed friends. He suffered rejection by his closest friends. He was subject even to temptation. And of course, he went through the greatest trial of all - death. A Savior such as that, is One whom we can approach, One whom we can trust.

What are you facing today? What trials and temptations threaten to undo you? Jesus has been through it already. And he understands your struggle. Draw near to him with confidence. You will receive mercy and find grace to help you in your time of need!

"Just when I need Him, Jesus is near; Just when I falter, just when I fear; Ready to help me, ready to cheer, Just when I need Him most."

Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank you that you are not a 'long-distance' Savior, but that you came close to rescue me. You have experienced trials and struggles like my own. I turn to you with confidence, and I thank you for your help. Amen.

Psalm of the Day: 16 Be not afraid when a man becomes rich, when the glory of his house increases. 17 For when he dies he will carry nothing away; his glory will not go down after him. 18 For though, while he lives, he counts himself blessed --and though you get praise when you do well for yourself-- 19 his soul will go to the generation of his fathers, who will never again see light. 20 Man in his pomp yet without understanding is like the beasts that perish. (Psalms 49:16-20)