A brick mason was laying brick for a wall one day. He had reached the top when he finished and realized he had brought up too many bricks. He went down and hooked a barrel to a line and pulley. He pulled the barrel up to the top and then climbed back up. He then filled the barrel with bricks, then climbed down.
When he reached the bottom, he took the line to lower the barrel. He forgot that the barrel was now heavier than himself, so the barrel started falling down and he started flying up. It scared him so badly that he forgot to let go of the line.
When they finally met in the middle, the barrel cut his shoulder. When he reached the top, his finger was smashed in the pulley. The barrel hit the ground and the bottom broke out. Now the man was now heavier than the barrel, so he started down and the barrel started up.
When they met in the middle, it cut his shins. He fell down into the pile of bricks below. It was then that he let go of the line and the barrel fell back down, landing on top of him!
Have you ever had one of those days? Days when you are up, then down. Days when you don’t know whether to hold on or let go. What are we do to do when we have “one of those days?”
We trust. The psalmist had days like that too. His example is a good one for us today. He responded by talking to himself. He encouraged himself, saying, “Why are you in despair, O my soul? And why are you disturbed within me? Hope in God, for I shall again praise Him, the help of my countenance and my God” (Psalm 43:5).
When life’s circumstances inflict bumps and bruises on you, trust your Heavenly Father. When you are disturbed, encourage yourself by affirming the truth. Your Father cares about you, even when everything going on in your life would suggest otherwise.
Habakkuk 3 says,” Though the fig tree should not blossom, and there be no fruit on the vines, Though the yield of the olive should fail and the fields produce no food, Though the flock should be cut off from the fold and there be no cattle in the stalls, yet I will exult in the Lord. I will rejoice in the God of my salvation. The Lord God is my strength.”
When life falls apart, God is still in control. Keep trusting him. Place your hope in your loving Father. You will praise Him again. He is your help. His presence will guide you safely through your trial until you come out safely on the other side!
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