Sunday, October 16, 2011 - To the bottom of the hill

     I finally talked Nick into watching all 10ish hours of the "Lord of the Ring" movies with me over the last week while he was home sick.  He loved it and wishes there had been more to the story, but thank goodness Frodo's burden was removed from his hand (forcibly removed, yes, but removed).

     In the final movie, the evil ring Frodo must destroy begins to weigh more with each step toward his destination. The skin on his Hobbit neck is broken and bleeding from the chafing chain.  The enemy terrain he must cross is rocky, dark and dangerous.  Time and again Frodo seems to fall down for the last time under the weight of his burden.  He and his faithful Hobbit friend, Sam, arrive at the top of the next hill only to see a valley filled with enemy soldiers. Frodo begins to despair. 
     "It's impossible," Frodo says. "How will we ever make it to the mountain?"
     "Help will come, Mr. Frodo," says Sam.  "Let's just get to the bottom of the hill."  


     Worry weighs us into despair when we stare too intently into the future. Walking in God's Will as we fulfill our calling means God provides what we need to make it to the bottom of the hill, to take the next step for today, to have the next necessary conversation, to let go of the thing we're gripping too tightly, and to do whatever difficult task He calls us to do.  Let's just get to the bottom of the hill, friend. Help will come.


Father, You've opened Your throne of Grace to us and we need Your Grace and Mercy. When worry clouds descend on us, break through with Your Light, Your salvation, Your Strength. Guide us to look to You - not to the resources we can pull together. Remind us of all the paths You've opened in the past for us, all the ropes You've thrown out to us and friends You've provided. Strengthen us to turn worry into prayer and to let praises transform despair into content no matter our circumstances.   

"Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, 

that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need." 

Hebrews 4:16

"You are my hiding place . . . 

You shall surround me with songs of deliverance."

Psalm 32:7

God is our refuge and strength,

a very present help in trouble.  

Therefore we will not fear."

Psalm 46:1-2