Pocket Thoughts - 7/18/25

God * doesn’t disappoint those who hope in Him * gives the wise a well-instructed tongue to know the word that sustains the weary * is the Sovereign Lord Who helps and vindicates His children against their accusers.

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Jesus enjoyed rich friendships, especially with Lazarus and his sisters Martha and Mary. When He received word that Lazarus was deathly ill, many expected him to immediately go to Lazarus. But Jesus stayed put. The God-Man knew that the Father had a bigger plan and far different timing than the men and women around Him. Lazarus passed away. As He eventually approached their home, Jesus encountered Martha, Mary, and mourners from the surrounding area. Compassion for these sisters, frustration at the toll sin takes on this world, righteous anger at the hypocrisy of the paid mourners – all came together. “Jesus wept.” He approached the tomb where the body of Lazarus had been placed and demanded that the stone covering the entrance be rolled away. He looked up to heaven, thanked God, and called in a loud voice: “Lazarus, come out!” Lazarus, wrapped in burial linens, did exactly that! Friend, Jesus cares deeply about what you’re going through. Don’t despair when His timing isn’t what you’re expecting. Trust, wait, hope, and pray. It’s okay to cry. Jesus is with you in your pain and questions. He weeps with you. But the God-Man knows the Father’s perfect plan, and He won’t allow you to experience anything other than the Father’s perfect will for your life. Thank God for whatever His allows – or withholds. He’s trustworthy and full of love for you. – TV

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To truly believe in Jesus, to completely trust Him with your soul and with your present and eternal life is to find yourself securely held in the Father’s hands forever. You may endure suffering, struggles, loss, challenging relationships or spiritual attacks. But you are held – not only in this life, but in the next – the life where no evil or harm can touch you because they don’t exist there. Jesus offers soul safety to you. Your “yes” is all He’s looking for. – TV

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In Exodus 14:13-14, Moses gives the perfect game plan when we face what appears to be an impossible situation. 1. “Do not be afraid.” Fear paralyzes us and robs us of clarity and strength to respond in faith. It’s a tool of the enemy – not a fruit of the Spirit. Turn to God for courage and confidence. 2. “Stand firm.” Take heart in God’s strength and help. Don’t shrink back, but move forward, knowing God is with you. 3. “You will see the deliverance the Lord will bring.” God will fulfill His promises, and He’ll sustain you through your hard situation. Watch in hope, and wait expectantly for Him to move. The capstone of the game plan is this assurance: “The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” – TV

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Lord, many of my loved ones will lie awake in their beds tonight, struggling to fall asleep. Will You give them the gift of a good night’s rest? Whisper to them, and invite them to leave their troubles in Your hands. Assure them that Your arms are wrapped tightly around the ones for whom they carry so much concern. Remind them that You’ve already been down the road where uncertainty looms – that it’s going to be okay. Lift their burdens from them. Command worry, doubt, and fear to leave them. Instead, place the sweet weight of peace, faith, and trust across their shoulders. Ease the tension straining their bodies. Slow their breath to deeply take in grace. Calm their hearts to match the unhurried rhythm of heaven. Lord, we’re so fragile, so finite! We need the true rest that only comes from You to ready us for a new day of fighting the good fight of faith. Give us sleep through the night as we entrust to You all that troubles our souls. We’re safe through the night under Your vigilant care. In the beautiful Name of Jesus, we rest and pray. Amen.

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“God gave us sleep to remind us we are not Him.” – Charles Spurgeon

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“To Him Who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before His glorious presence without fault and with great joy – to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power, and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen. – Jude 24-25