A couple of weeks ago, I found a devotional writer, Randy Chambers, through Faith Writers, whom I now feature each day in the middle column of SelahV Today. His devotional changes most every day. But today I wanted to share what he wrote that touched my heart for so many I know who are hurting today. In case you missed Randy's devotional:
ALONE by Randy Chambers
Ecclesiastes 4:10 NIV: "If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!"
"They struggle alone sometimes. They sit and stare into the sad corners of their hearts and sink. Depression sets in like a cancer. What they need to bring them out of it, God alone truly knows. But He is ready to reveal that information to us, and to provide us opportunity to minister. Sometimes they need a lot from us. Sometimes they need just a little. Sometimes they simply want to know that we will desist the activities of our own lives for just a moment--just long enough to take notice of them, and to pray, and to focus for a moment on who they are, and what God desires for them.
Is it apathy that chains us? Is it selfishness? Like many things in the Christian life, repentance leads the way.
If only for a few minutes each day we would sit, and think, and turn our thoughts toward others and their needs, then we will begin to pray. And prayer will melt the icy chains of apathy. And then, perhaps, so many others will struggle alone no more." Randy Chambers
HOW ABOUT YOU? Have you seen a harried waitress who needs an encouraging word? Have you noticed a Wal-mart clerk who's just been chastized by a customer in front of you? Have you stood in a long line at the Motor Vehicle Department and grumbled to those in line? Have you seen someone "alone", and walked on by without even a smile or hello? Have you avoided sitting next to a grief-stricken widow in church? Whatever holds our tongues with words of affirmation, and keeps our hands from offering a comforting pat on another's shoulder--may it be released and loosened to share the goodness of Christ within us, today. selahV
[BE SURE TO NOTE RANDY'S DEVOTIONAL EACH DAY IN MY CENTER COLUMN]
