Relief From the Heat
Sizzling. Steamy. Scorching. These are just a few of the adjectives to describe the weather we’re facing here in the Northeast (as well as across much of the country). To say that it’s hot outside is probably an understatement. Last night after the sun went down, it still felt uncomfortably hot out—more like Florida or Louisiana than New Jersey. When driving along this morning, the air blowing through the open window was like a blast of hot air coming out of a clothes dryer.
Of course this kind of heat means running the air conditioning, going to the pool, looking for cool places to hang out (that is “cool” as in cold), and finding as much shade as possible. Most people, like me, are only going outside if they have to. And when they do, they are moving very, very slowly. Everyone is in need of some relief from the heat.
The prophet Isaiah wrote long ago, “O LORD, you are my God; I will exalt you and praise your name…You have been …a shade from the heat.” (Isaiah 25:1, 4—NIV ) As the prophet saw what was happening in his world—all the difficulty, pain, oppression, etc.—it felt as if life was oppressively hot! Life had too often become quite unbearable. He like most others, found himself in need of relief. Where did he find it? In God. God became his “shade from the heat.”
God wants to be the same for us. He understands that at times life can become unbearable. He knows that the situations and circumstances of the world in which we live can feel like sizzling, steamy, scorching heat. So, he offers himself to us as our “shade.” God offers to give us relief, if we will put our trust in him.
Do you need some relief from the heat? Turn to God. Trust him with your life. He has promised to be your “shade from the heat.”
Have a great day and stay cool!
-Pastor Tim Harris
Hi, Pastor Harris. It's Graciela from EAG. I just wanted to say that I thank God that I had you as my pastor when I first started going to EAG and that your wisdom shed light on a lot of areas in my life that I think about constantly.
ReplyDeleteIn response to this blog, I feel that at times not only is the world oppressive, but we oppress ourselves. Sometimes, I think about how artists are known to look at their own work with a more critical eye. At times I overwhelm myself thinking about my past and how I need to change and be better in the future. But as you say, " God offers to give us relief." This reminded me that I need to trust that God will work IN and THROUGH me. I really need to dive deeper in the Word and allow Him to keep me "cool".
This might not have been what you were thinking of as a response, but yours words have ministered to me in a (maybe) mysterious way. God bless you and your family.