William C. Poole was a Methodist minister in the early 1900’s. He wrote poems as a diversion to the rigors of pastoral ministry and to help his congregants. One of his most recognized hymn texts is “Just When I Need Him Most”. It goes as follows—sing along if you know it.
“Just when I need Him, Jesus is near.
Just when I falter, just when I fear;
Ready to help me, ready to cheer, just when I need Him most.
Just when I need Him most
Just when I need Him most
Jesus is near to comfort and cheer,
Just when I need Him most.”
It has been said that the most unfortunate person is the one who has his/her own self for a personal physician. The same can be said for a spiritual shepherd, confidant, friend, guide and Savior.
Sing the song above one more time and use ME and I in place of “Him”.
“Just when I need me, I am so near.
Just when I falter, just when I fear;
Ready to help me, ready to cheer, just when I need me most.
Just when I need me most
Just when I need me most
I am so near to comfort and cheer,
Just when I need me most.”
Have you ever wondered why women and children are more apt to seek wisdom, help, council, a physician and DIRECTIONS than men? The answer is exaggerated pride. I want to need me and no other. I can do my own appendectomy thank you.
–A mother or wife often must get the proud man to go to a doctor before symptoms appear and even after.
–A child is set before us by Jesus as an attitude and a release. Humility and trust—trust first in God and not ourselves.
The scriptures remind us of an important truth.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding (or others through You Tube). In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6
Trusting God and His Word before tragedy, loss and pain, means that we can understand the word “JUST” in the song above. God is always on time, even when we are not ready for Him. He is always prepared and capable of applying comfort and cheer to our wounds-even when they are self-inflicted. He just wants our trust and love. He wants us to acknowledge Him. All of this, much as our own children are rewarded when they come to a loving parent who enjoys mutual love, trust and benefit.
“And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.” Hebrews 11:6
GOD DESIRES US TO ASK FOR DIRECTIONS AND TO MANAGE SELF-RELIANCE (not completely deny it)
God gave each of us capabilities, talents and gifts. We are to use them but not make them into our identity. Whatever we DO for a living must be kept distinct from WHO WE ARE in living. Who we are, in humility before God, must define and direct what we do, not the other way around.
…”and all of you, clothe yourselves with humility towards one another, for God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble. Humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety upon Him, because He cares for you.” I Peter 5:5-6
An atheist or and agnostic will have none of this weakness on display with a lament and cry to a fictional god. He must sing, “Just when I need me most”. He is among men most to be pitied. And remember that God’s redeemed children who profess to know and follow Christ are not immune from the attempt of taking over the captain’s chair.
“You should know better than to say, ‘Today or tomorrow we will go to the city. We will do business there for a year and make a lot of money!’ What do you know about tomorrow? How can you be so sure about your life? It is nothing more than mist that appears for only a little while before it disappears. You should say, ‘If the Lord lets us live, we will do these things.’ Yet you are stupid enough to brag, and it is wrong to be so proud. If you don’t do what you know is right, you have sinned.” James 4:13-17
Christian and non-Christian alike; Let go of the pride of self-sufficiency long enough to trust in God. Develop a daily habit of such faith for though you may not think you need Him today because there is no tragedy, your day will come. If you and I are already walking in trust and love—if we are daily in His word—if we are in regular fellowship with the church (God’s people in a local congregation), then we have prepared well for the uncertainties of life and the certainty of our Savior who said,
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30
openhandspublications.com 