Today is…

a good day to teach others where to go for help.

“Those who look to Him for help will be radiant with joy; no shadow of shame will darken their faces.”  Psalm 34:5 NLT

Hospital emergency rooms all over the world are open 24 hours a day, ready to receive those who need help with a physical emergency. Ambulances, too, are available to transport victims of accidents or those who suffer major medical problems. Police and fire departments stand ready to respond when someone threatens our safety or fire breaks out and threatens our homes and our lives. 24 hour hotlines are also available to help us in times of emotional crisis.

Millions of people around the world make themselves available and put themselves at risk, to help and protect us around the clock. Each one of us owes all of these people our thanks and appreciation. The world is a safer, better place for their efforts on our behalf.

It is important that we teach our children, as well as our elderly relatives, how to reach out for help in situations that require the services of those listed above.

Most important, for our spiritual well-being, we have God.

When someone is in spiritual crisis, it is equally as important that they know where to turn. We may know to turn to God through prayer and reading the Bible when looking for help for our specific problem, but it is important that we teach others as well. The Bible itself contains a bounty of wisdom, words of conciliation, and support for any situation that might arise at any time, night or day.

A wonderful source within the Bible is the book of Psalms. For instance, when we feel afraid, we can turn to Psalms 3, 4, 56, 91, and others.

If we are facing temptation, Psalms 38, and 141 stand ready to fortify us with encouragement such as, “Don’t let me drift towards evil or take part in acts of wickedness. Don’t let me share in the delicacies of those who do wrong.” (Psalm 141:4 NLT).

If we feel depressed, Psalms 27, 42, 88 and 143, stand ready to come to our aid.

“Come quickly, Lord, and answer me, for my depression deepens. Don’t turn away from me, or I will die.” (Psalm 143:7 NLT).

No matter what we are facing, be it persecution, old age, sorrow, criticism, verbal cruelty, the book of Psalms stands ready and waiting. It can also help us to offer prayers to God. Prayers of confession can be found in Psalms 6 and 51. Prayers of faith in Psalms 16 and 23.

“I said to the Lord, ‘You are my Master! Every good thing I have comes from You.’” (Psalm 16:2 NLT).

Knowing where to find help for our spiritual needs is as important as knowing to call 911 when we have a physical emergency. Sharing the knowledge of where to go for help is something that is an obligation, but it should also be our great joy.

Use the gift of today to teach someone where to find the help they need.

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Taken from “TODAY IS….A Gift From God”, (C) 2013 Tony Casson