THANKFUL

Chatting with Jesus

Thursday, February 29, 2024

Lord, people are stressed to the point of breaking. Even for Christ followers, our world can be stressful as well. Failed government promises. Forecasts of economic doom. Unchecked political corruption. Ever since Eve needed another fruit for her fruit salad, human nature makes us see the worst in all situations, whether the situation is real or perceived.

People fret. “What should I do?” “Why did I act stupid?” “We’re gonna be destroyed!” When Satan senses fretting, he sees a green light to attack with more lies.

Man or woman. Young or old. Rich or poor. Elite or average. Stress is common to all people. Stress can lead to serious health problems, foolish life choices, or just giving up on life.

For Christ followers, the Israelites are a case study for stress. After fleeing Egypt, Lord, you led them to camp beside the Red Sea. Pharaoh’s army pursued them and trapped the Israelites between Egypt’s army and the ocean. Without a doubt, this scenario caused the Israelites stress—Industrial Strength stress.

Stress caused the Israelites to only see doom. Stress smothered faith. We know the outcome of the story today, but faced with that situation then, I can’t say I wouldn’t have felt the same.

The people immediately blamed you and Moses for their dire situation, but you had a plan all along. Your message to Moses has encouraged believers through the ages:

“Don’t be afraid. Just stand still and watch the Lord rescue you today. The Egyptians you see today will never be seen again. The Lord himself will fight for you. Just stay calm” (Exodus 14:13, 14 NLT).

Lord, what “Pharaoh’s army” is my stress-producing problem? What threatens to destroy my well-being and causes me to panic and not remain calm?  Even though I don’t know how you will do it, help me trust you are fighting for me, and will drown my “Pharaoh army” in the sea.

Amen, Jesus.