Stop floundering in the sludge and mud – 3 August 2022

Circumstances and challenges often leave us struggling and anxious. It occupies our minds and the longer we wrestle, the weaker we become and the more it feels like we are losing control and perspective.

But recognise the enemy in the situation and be mindful of it – the evil that rules over the sinful world is trying to make us fail and steal our peace and happiness. It creates turmoil and anxiety within us and pollutes us with ‘mire and mud’ (Isaiah 57:20), trying to divert our focus from God’s purpose and plan for our lives.

By contrast, the Holy Spirit wants us to abandon the mess of evil, the effect of sin, and help us to focus on the Lord. “Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear; then your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the LORD will be your rear guard.” (Isaiah 58:8). Then He will guide us always and satisfy our needs, even “in a sun-scorched land”, to be “like a spring whose waters never fail” and we will “rebuild the ancient ruins and will raise up the age-old foundations …” and be called “Repairer of Broken Walls, Restorer of Streets with Dwellings” so there can be new life again. (Isaiah 58:11-12)

Then possibilities unfold like the water in Ezekiel 47:1-12 (ESV) that flows deeper and wider, and produces life, fruit and healing “because the water for them flows from the sanctuary.”

Prayer: Almighty God and heavenly Father, please save me from all turmoil and anguish and let your light break through for me. Please go before me and let your power hem me in from behind, so that in and through me fruit and transformation will proceed to your glory, and blessings where you want to use me. Amen