JESUS – FOOTPRINTS OF MERCY

God is our Refuge and Strength, a VERY PRESENT HELP in trouble – Psalm 46:1

The Lord Jesus has said: “I will never leave you, nor forsake you” (Heb.13:6). He is our Helper, our very Present Help, and our Burden-Bearer. There is a timeless story that so beautifully portrays this truth:

‘One night I dreamed I was walking along the beach with the Lord. Across the sky flashed scenes of my life. For each scene I noticed two sets of footprints in the sand. One belonged to me and the other to the Lord. When the last scene of my life flashed before me, I looked back at the footprints in the sand. I noticed that many times along the path there was only one set of footprints. I also noticed that it happened at the lowest times in my life. This really bothered me and I questioned the Lord about it. ‘Lord, you said that once I decided to follow You, You would walk with me all the way. But I notice that during the worst times in my life there was only one set of footprints. I don’t understand why in times when I needed You most, You should leave me.’ The Lord replied, ‘My child, I love you and would never leave you during your times of trials and suffering. When you saw only one set of footprints…they were Mine. It was then that I carried you!’

How comforting it is to know that I can cast all my cares upon Jesus: “casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you” (1Pet.5:7). He is my burden-bearer. Indeed, I am His burden. He is willing and able to bear me up in His arms like a baby! He is reassuring me as Moses re-assured Joshua: “And the LORD, He is the One who goes before you. He will be with you, He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed” (Deut.31:8). “For He has said, I will never leave you, nor forsake you. So that we may boldly say, The LORD is MY HELPER, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me” (Heb.13:5-6). Beloved, you are not alone: “The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge” (Psa.46:11).

Ringing in my spirit are Melodies of Mercy:

• I’m not alone (2x). In all my sojourns, Jesus is with me. I am not alone.
• You are my Helper (2x). You are my helper, my Helper, my Helper (2x); and Isaac Watts’ living words:
• Our God, our Help in ages past, our Hope for years to come,  Our Shelter from the stormy blast, and our Eternal Home.
• Our God, our Help in ages past, our Hope for years to come, Be Thou our Guard while troubles last, and our Eternal Home.