If you have ever had computer problems, then you know how frustrating and daunting they can be. I was reminded of this very fact not too long ago, when my faithful computer of six years crashed. I immediately cried out to God, and I asked Him to restore my machine, along with everything on it. He did exactly that, but He impressed upon my heart that it was time to purchase another computer as soon as possible. My husband, Joe, and I found a good, solid new machine at one of our local stores, and we set about moving all of my documents, emails, and information from my old device to my new one. That's when the real problems began, and no matter how we tried, we couldn't properly transfer all of my "stuff" the way we needed to.

I began to panic in earnest at this point. I knew my husband was stumped. I suggested that Joe start calling people we knew who might be able to help us. He was reluctant to bother someone else with our problems, and when he did finally call someone, they weren't available. As I fretted and became more and more anxious and alarmed, the Holy Spirit brought to my remembrance Psalm 121:1-2 (NIV): "I lift up my eyes to the mountains - where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth." I knew that God was saying to me, "Look to ME for help, not others. Keep your eyes on ME!" I realized then that I had lost my spiritual focus. I had begun looking to my husband and others to solve my problems for me. While it was true that I was praying and seeking God, at the same time, I had become full of fear and doubt, and I had taken my eyes off the Lord. I confessed my sin, and I asked God to help me to refocus and get back to looking to HIM for help.

Later that day, the Lord led me to call my internet service provider, to ask them for assistance in transferring all of my documents and emails from my old computer to my new one. Half way through the call, I was informed that I was going to lose much of what I had saved on my old machine - including a good amount of my writing over a period of twenty years. My heart sank, and I whispered a silent plea to the Lord, clinging to His promise in Isaiah 12:2 (NLT): "See, God has come to save me. I will trust in Him and not be afraid. The Lord God is my strength and my song; He has given me victory." In Jesus' name, I rebuked the fear coming against me, and I held tight to His Word. Two hours later, everything was safely on my new machine, and I rejoiced in the Lord's goodness and faithfulness.

This experience was a powerful reminder to me that even though God may send others to help us with our problems, He doesn't want us focused on them. Instead, He insists that we keep our eyes on Him alone. He knows that when our focus begins to wander, we are likely to become fearful and fretful. Then it's almost impossible for us to receive the blessings and rewards He has for us in our situation. The Bible says, "It is better to trust the Lord than to put confidence in people." (Psalm 118:8 NLT) Every time that we are faced with adversity, we will have to decide if we are going to put our faith and confidence in God, or in people. Some of us are so used to relying on other people that we don't even realize that we're doing it. We need financial help, and we look to our jobs, our banks, or someone we know. We need healing, and we right away reach for a pill, or make an appointment with a doctor. We feel lonely, and we promptly pick up the phone. These things are not necessarily wrong or sinful. But if we do them without praying first - without receiving God's wisdom, guidance, and counsel - then we could be missing out on the kind of help, relief, and provision that only He can give.

One evening, when I was going through that difficult time with my computer problems, I remember feeling alone and abandoned when my husband went to bed knowing how much I was hurting. As I turned to the Lord for consolation, He once again reminded me of His precious promises in Psalm 121: "[The Lord] will not let your foot slip - He who watches over you will not slumber." (Psalm 121:3 NIV) I took great comfort in the fact that while my husband slept, God was wide awake and busy working behind the scenes to bring a favorable outcome to pass on my behalf.

Perhaps you are going through a difficult time of your own today, and you are wondering where your help will come from. You are not reading this message by mistake today, dear one. The Lord is saying to you that if you will turn to Him first in your hour of need, and if you will keep your eyes firmly fixed on Him, He will protect and provide for you, and He will do what only He can do!

Prayer: Lord, I thank You that You are always willing and able to help me when I am in trouble. Teach me how to look to You for help first, instead of turning to other people or resources without thinking. Show me how to cooperate with You in the resolution process, so that I can receive all of the blessings, rewards, and opportunities You have in store for me. Help me not to hinder Your work on my behalf by becoming angry, fearful, or doubtful. Thank You that as I follow Your lead in every situation, nothing and no one will be able to keep my victories from me!

- J. M. Farro