What do you need today?

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By Luis R. Lopez

SPRINGFIELD, Tenn. (BP) — Knowing Christ and trusting Him in our life assures us of an inexhaustible source of blessings. Life can be full of bad times, detours, and difficult times, but the promise that God will shepherd his children is an invaluable treasure.

Luis R. Lopez

David, like many believers, experienced this in his own life. He knew in his own flesh the fears of war, the dangers of enemies, the pain of sin, and the loss of loved ones. He fought with family conflicts, envy, threats from enemies, and lack of direction. He had been confused, lacking direction, and in anguish. In the midst of all this, the psalmist was able to declare that the God of Israel was the one who guided, guarded, and restored his soul. He said: "The Lord is my shepherd" (Psalm 23: 1). David knew that nothing would be missing.

"What do you want me to do to you?" That was the question of Jesus to the blind Bartimaeus who went to meet him when he heard that the Master was passing through Jericho (Mark 10: 46-52). That day Bartimaeus noticed the presence of a special pilgrim near him. He began to "shout" in order to get his attention. In a determined and vigorous attitude he cried out saying: "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!" Despite the opposition and the crowd, the Good Shepherd stopped and sent for him.

Bartimaeus' reaction to the Master's call was immediate and enthusiastic. He threw down his cloak, got up, and went to him. Without thinking twice, he asked the Lord for something concrete. He had started asking for "mercy" (Mark 10: 47-48) but then when he was before him he made his request for mercy: "Master, let him recover his sight." The blind man knew very well what he wanted and asked for it with precision and perseverance. Sometimes we pray in such a generic way that we never get to see concrete answers. Bartimaeus is a good example of the one who "asks with faith, doubting nothing" (James 1: 6).

What do you need today? Will there be something that worries you? Has a situation kept you awake these last nights? Are you making an important decision in your life? Do you need courage, wisdom, consolation, or hope in this time? Christ has promised that he will be with you all the days of your life.

If you feel that something is missing, go to Him in prayer. Appear before his presence and spill your anxiety before Him. He will take care of you. As a sheep of your meadow, it will charge you and defend you from the enemy. 

With your strength, it will give you encouragement. It will satisfy your mouth with what you need and give strength to your bones. In illness, it will heal you and as medicine your soul will sustain. He will listen to your pleas and upon hearing your sigh he will bow his ear to you. He keeps you and yours. He will anoint your head with oil to free you from those who want to hurt you. 

Fill your heart with joy as you enter your sanctuary. He is the Great Shepherd of all your days.


Luis R. Lopez is coordinator of Hispanic ministry at the Robertson County Baptist Association in Springfield, Tennessee.

conflict, encouragement, need