Channel it out to him

Imagine a volcano that remained quiet for years and years and suddenly it explodes out all the lava, steam and ashes. In the same way, our lives can be looked upon in similar aspects to that of a volcano. Why? That happens when many choose to keep all the negative feelings and thoughts inside of them, not even revealing it to close friends or God. And one day, when they can no longer contain all the built up stress over the years, they let it all out in 1 huge blow. The end result is these people suffer break downs and at the same time, those around them suffer as well due to the effects of their explosion (imagine all the hot lava chasing after you and the ashes that damage your health when you breathe them in).

So what does the world do to prevent these from happening if they do know a volcano is on the verge of exploding. Of course the most wise choice is to leave the area till the volcano calms down. But they'll live in constant fear from then on, not knowing when this disaster might happen again. Another method is to blow up the surrounding rocks and try to force the lava to flow into a different direction, out of harm way.

What about us Christians ? What do we do in these sort of situtions ? If you are the volcano, will you be willing to open up to close ones to allow them to help you through tough times. Or will you want to stick it up alone, believeing that your abilities will pull you through ? Sadly, most times, those who go at it alone, end up suffering the most. But does that mean brothers and sisters in Christ are the best options you have in terms of a living presence? Yes, they are concern for you and in trying times, you will finally know who are those who do care about you. (much like the ppl who blow away the rocks to help channel the lava to a different direction) No, in lots of cases, when one really needs the support, many choose to distant themselves away. (Why ? Well, they might be like the residents of the area near the volcano, living in fear of the next explosion that will drag them into things that causes them to lose things that are precious to them)

So are friends really dependable? Not totally. After all, everyone is a sinner, made from the earth and in which we'll return as earth when our time is up. As much as we hope that friends can be there for us in all times, they can't. That's the reality that we must live with. It is in this manner that God is allowed to be in control of our lives. When we no longer look to man but to Him, the Lord will assure us that he will carry us through all things. That unlike human beings, He is the only one who is always with us, in good and bad times.

Jer17:5 states that "This is what the LORD says: "Cursed is the one who trusts in man, who depends on flesh for his strength and whose heart turns away from the LORD." Have we placed too much trust and hope in man that we have diminish God to a smaller role ? This has happen in many situations and God has to let us go through the trials of this life in order for us to place our trust in him and him alone. Remember this well, man will forsake you but God will never leave your side so channel your problems to him and release your burdens for you are not running this race on your own. God is beside you, running with you, if only you pause and sense his sweet presence.