Circuit Breaker

A late spring cold snap caused a chill in our patio room, which is mostly windows. I turned the electric baseboard heat up to a comfortable setting. No heat. I called the maintenance office, and soon an electrician was at our front door. Within a couple of minutes, he diagnosed the problem – ‘circuit breaker‘. I should have thought of that! But to my own defense, I’ve never had electric heat before and didn’t think to check the breaker box. He reset the breaker, and all was well.

A circuit breaker is an electrical switch designed to protect an electrical circuit from damage caused by overcurrent/overload or short circuit. At times, I think we need a ‘circuit breaker’ in our personal lives. When burdens and cares threaten to overcome us, we need protection against permanent mental and emotional harm. Jesus can be our circuit breaker.

God’s word says, “Cast all your anxiety on Him because he cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7, NIV). Jesus wants to be our burden bearer, our circuit breaker. Isaiah 53:4 offers this prophecy about Jesus: “Surely, He hath borne our griefs and carried our sorrows.” The Psalmist writes, “Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior who daily bears our burdens” (Psalm 68:19, NIV).

When I feel the pressures of life building toward overload proportions, I stop, take a deep breath, and pray. What beautiful solace I have found  in this wonderful old hymn;

                        Sweet hour of prayer! Sweet hour of prayer 
                        That calls me from a world of care
                        And bids me at my Father’s throne 
                        Make all my wants and wishes known. 
                        In seasons of distress and grief 
                        My soul has often found relief 
                        And oft escaped the tempter’s snare 
                        By Thy return, sweet hour of prayer. (~ W.W. Walford)

The following scripture is often a refuge for my soul when I sense a short circuit about to occur:  ^“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7, NIV).

“Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior who daily bears our burdens.” (Psalm 68:19, NIV)

~ Brother Roy