Transcript of Midweek Meditations podcast episode aired on Wednesday, 26th August 2020.
How are you doing this week? Throughout this pandemic, the strain on people’s mental health is immeasurable. In Australia, the government is dedicating millions of dollars towards supporting mental health services. In Victoria, hospitals are reporting a 33% rise in cases of self-harm over the last 2 months! O God have mercy!
In light of this, you might be doing relatively well. But please don’t underestimate the toll this pandemic may be taking on your health, be it physical, mental or spiritual. Don’t put on a brave face. Reach out if you need help or support of any kind. We can’t do this alone. And we aren’t meant to do this alone.
As we meditate on God’s Word, we’re reminded there’s another outlet where we can seek help. Hear the words of Psalm 124—
Our help is in the name of the LORD,
Psalm 124:8 (NIV)
the Maker of heaven and earth.
This psalm speaks about political and natural threats faced by the psalmist: political enemies and a flood threatened to overwhelm him socially and physically. Yet, the psalmist turns to the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth, for help. The psalmist writes:
If the LORD had not been on our side […] the raging waters would have swept us away.
Psalm 124:1,5 (NIV)
Where do we find help? In the presence of the LORD by our side. We might not face the political or social threats like the psalmist, but no matter what life throws at you, we can find help in the presence of the LORD by our side. Did you know that he’s with you? For the Christian, Jesus’ promises his eternal presence with us, and this is reinforced by the gift of the Holy Spirit, the presence of God dwelling within us!
Did you know the Holy Spirit is praying for you before God? (Romans 8:26-27) Building on this, Paul will say these words:
What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?
Romans 8:31 (NIV)
How are you doing this week? God’s with you. Right now. He’s with you. Whatever hardships or threats you face today, they can’t stand up against God. God guarantees your life by giving up his own Son for you (Romans 8:32), and nothing will separate you from the love of Christ (Romans 8:35)
Whatever life looks like for you today, know that you can turn to God for help. Will you do that, will you turn to God for help? Let’s pray.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, will you remind us of your presence with us? Will you do that right now. Help us to know the comfort and peace that comes from your Holy Spirit with us.
Holy Spirit, you choose to make your dwelling among us, manifesting the presence of God with us each and every day. Help us to be more aware of your presence with us, help us to turn to you in our time of need. Thank you for your constant prayers before the throne of the Father.
Lord Jesus, you pray for us and ask the Father to protect us from the evil one by the power of your name. You pray for our unity in our fellowship with one another, help us to encourage and support one another as we walk and live for you.
These things we ask in your all-powerful name, Jesus; amen.