Macedonia Baptist Church of Kansas City, Missouri

There All Along by Teri Worten Brooks
God knows what we need an has made provision for us.
Editor: Sis. Sonya Nealy

I am famous for it.
My friends have come to call it my own personal trademark.
I am almost ashamed of the fact that, without fail, I always mislay my car keys!

In fact, just the other day, as I was leaving the house I made my mental checklist to ensure I had everything I needed.

“Purse?
Check.”

“Coupons?
Check.”

“Keys? Where in the world…?”

I quickly headed toward the stairs and began to search my usual spots. But midway up the steps, I stopped to check my purse. You know, just in case. To my relief, I heard that familiar "jingle" at the bottom of my handbag and realized that my keys were with me the entire time! I couldn’t help but chuckle as I walked back downstairs toward the door.

Almost immediately, I thought how many times we hurry through life searching for what we already have in our spiritual possession. As Christians, this really rings true. Often, we grope at the outer world for spiritual and emotional necessities, such as peace, strength and personal validation. When in actuality, our amazing God has already provided everything we need for this journey called life. As my husband said in a recent sermon, God supplies His provisions for everyday living.

Isn’t it wonderful to know that God has promised to be a very present help in our times of trouble?(1) But how many times do we find ourselves calling everyone (but God) for answers to our emotional, physical and spiritual dilemmas? One popular speaker expresses it this way, "when we’re in trouble; we need to run to the "throne" and not the "phone". This is so true.

Too often, our first instinct may be to call friends, family or spiritual leaders for help when we see no way to escape life's predicaments. Don't misunderstand me. Certainly, there are times when we need help and guidance from these earthly resources. However, we must make certain that God (alone) remains our primary source and resource.

In short, our help comes from the Lord who created heaven and earth (2) and He is eager to reach down from heaven and supply our needs. Just like my car keys, the help we need is, has been and will always be available to us.

Science has come up with many, many remedies for what ails us. There are pills that regulate our blood pressure, pills to help us sleep and even pills that claim to burn our fat! But know this: in all the scientific advancements of the modern age, there still remains NO pill, NO serum or NO formula that can bring peace to a wearied soul. Only Jesus gives us the peace that passes all understanding (3).

It is beautiful to know that the peace He left with us is completely different from what the world offers (4). It's not fleeting or circumstantial. His peace endures. It transcends the stresses, struggles and strains of daily life. In spite of marital problems, rebellious children and difficult co-workers, his peace abounds. Others in the world can’t comprehend it. In reality, God’s peace is confusing to them. They can’t understand how the Holy Spirit of God broods over you in difficult times soothing your soul and calming your spirit.

Many people endeavor to find peace through varied means. But for you there is no need to chase after what your heavenly Father has made readily available to you. Peace cannot be found in relationships, work success or in any other means. It’s already accessible to you twenty-four hours a day through prayer, supplication and thanksgiving (5).

In our rushed world full of modern conveniences, it amazes me that people remain stressed-out and anxious. At times, I think the technological advancements contribute to many of life’s stresses. If not careful, our lives can become noisy, excessively busy and chaotic. Kids calling, church calling, family begging and work nagging. It can be too much. But in the midst of it all, our loving God promises [His] joy will be present in us and will be complete (6). Isn't it wonderful to know that the stresses of life can never outweigh the joy He provides to you? But you must tap into it.

Praise is an excellent prescription for any and all distress. Even in the depths of heart-wrenching grief, I’ve learned to praise God for kindness and His mighty power. The Bible says that we simply “put on a garment of praise” when we feel a heavy spirit (7). It is really that easy and it really works! No other place in scripture is this more evident than in the Psalms. In one chapter we can see David downtrodden and oppressed and then almost instantly, he transitions to praising the Lord! Praise and worship lifts and soothes the spirit.

Just like you, I know what it is like to struggle through life’s circumstances. I have been on the receiving end of a horrifying phone call alerting me that my father had fallen victim to a fatal heart attack and I would never see him again. I know what it's like to hold my mom as she bemoans the unexpected death of her 34 year-old son. Even worse, I know what it's like to repeat the same grief a few years later when another one of my brothers died suddenly from the same illness. I also understand the biting disappointment when a relationship ends. I know first-hand the struggles of a single mother endeavoring to raise a healthy and happy child. I can even relate to the rejection that comes when one won’t compromise moral standards to fit into the world's mold. Like Paul, we understand peril. But through it all, I have learned to praise God throughout the tears and rely on Him to help me when life seemed overwhelming. Through the years, I have learned to look "up" instead of "around" for what I need. The Lord has never failed me and has been faithful through it all.

My husband is an incredible provider. He takes his responsibilities to his family very seriously. I can say without a doubt, he would be hurt, confused and frustrated if his children went around town begging for food, lodging and clothing. Why? Because these are essentials that he happily provides to his children as God provides them to him. When Ben is hungry, he goes to the refridgerate (OFTEN!!!). When John wants formula or a snack, he simply cries out to his dad and he gets it. It's the same for your Heavenly Father. He makes sure you have all that you need and you needn't seek it elsewhere. All you have to do is take advantage of His provision.

Remember He’s always there and will meet your every need. Reach out in faith and take hold of it!

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