Turn To Yahweh In Times Of Need (Joel 1:19)

We can turn to Yahweh when we are in need or face extreme challenges. I've heard it said a lot that we should turn to Yahweh all the time, not only when we need him. And that is true, because we should thank Yahweh for his provision just as we ask him when we have need. But let's look at it from a different angle: what are we to do if trouble is already upon us? Isn't it better to turn to Yahweh than to put our hope in vain promises?

Let Us Cry To Yahweh

Joel had the right perspective when he said, "Yahweh, I cry to you…" (Joel 1:19 WEB) as trouble surmounted all around him. If you read the verses before and after verse 19, you will see just how dire the situation was. Food was scarce, joy was diminishing, and even the animals had difficulty surviving.

Your situation may be just as dire, or it could seem much simpler. Either way, I encourage you to turn to Yahweh as your helper. Why? Because he is able to deliver you.

Yahweh Can Deliver

It's easy to trust in Yahweh when we know his capabilities. Think about it: he created this entire world by his words. He spoke through his prophets, sent his beloved son to show us the way, and he still guides us today. If Yahweh can do all that (and he did), how much more capable is he of delivering you, too?

If you need help putting your confidence in Yahweh, just read story after story in the Bible of how he delivered his people. There's the story of the Israelites been delivered from bondage in Egypt, as well as the countless stories of Yahweh's provision for them in the desert. There's also the story of Paul and Silas being delivered from prison, just to name a few.

But the stories don't stop with the Bible. There are countless modern-day stories of Yahweh delivering his people. I can think of many from my own life, and I'm sure if you stopped to think about it, you could probably think of many in your life, too.

Note: Keep in mind that there are some challenges in life that we all face that we do not need to be "delivered" from. To use an obvious example, someone who is working hard to obtain a degree does not need to be "delivered" from school, but instead needs to face the challenge head-on and continue studying until they have accomplished their goal. In this situation, Yahweh would not "deliver" you from the good work you are doing (going to school), but he can deliver you from confusion and doubt as you study.

Learn From Troubles And Failures

Once you have been delivered from whatever you were dealing with, be sure to thank Yahweh for his mighty power and hand of favor. Also, it is good to ponder what may have caused the trouble in the first place, so that you can learn from what happened and possibly avoid it happening again in the future.

Some troubles come through nothing of our own doing, and we should certainly not feel guilty or criticize ourselves in those situations. But there are some other troubles that can be avoided if we simply know what to do.

For example, by living a healthy lifestyle and eating healthy foods, we can avoid many sicknesses and health problems. Also, by pausing to ask Yahweh's advice before making a big decision, we can many times avoid heartache and disappointment.

So when you are delivered, as you recall what happened, do not condemn or criticize yourself, but do ask yourself this question: "If I would be presented with a similar situation in the future, are there steps I could take to prevent myself from getting into a bad situation?"

Conclusion

Yahweh loves us tremendously, and does not want to see us suffer. If you feel like you are struggling with something, I encourage you to call upon your loving Father for deliverance. He is mighty to save! comments powered by Disqus