Safetypinlove

I saw this quote and the Scripture from Psalm 46:10 immediately came to mind. “Be still and know that I am God.” This has become my life verse for the last few years as I navigate through uncharted waters and the reoccurring storms that come with it. It also reminded me of Job, who’s extreme desolation, agony and suffering was far worse than anything I could ever experience in my lifetime. Job 38:1 says that God answered Job out of the center of the storm…not after it was all over with. Which is very similar to Psalm 107:23-32, where it describes when the storm- ravaged men cried out to God, He brought them out of their distress and stilled the storm…showing His steadfast love, His readiness to answer their prayers, and His ability to rescue them out of the mist of trouble by His power and might. And just as Jesus calmed the waves in Mark 4:35-41, He can still bring peace in the midst of the raging storm within me. Now that doesn’t mean I still won’t be battered by the storms of life…it just means I know that God will always be there with me.

In the Apostle Paul’s second letter to the Church in Corinth, he is addressing the false apostles at work in the city who were peddling “another Jesus” and a different gospel other than the one he had preached. He warned the Church that they could easily be swept away by these false apostles if not careful. In quoting Isaiah 49:8, Paul exhorted them to wisely respond immediately to God’s offer of deliverance…not to waiver, or worse yet procrastinate…convincing themselves that they could wait. The words Paul used were, “Now is the time.” That’s because no one is guaranteed tomorrow, and putting off God’s grace today may be too late tomorrow. “Now is the day of salvation.”

Light doesn’t shout…it simply shines. For without a word, the brilliance of the sunrise pierces through the night darkness and fills the sky. So in the same way, we are to simply let our light shine. From John 1:5 we know that Jesus is the source of all light that dispels darkness, and when He lives in our heart, (II Corinthians 4:6) we are to reflect that light to others. Or as Jesus explained in His Sermon on the Mount, “Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16) So let your light shine…for people will take notice of how you live much faster than all the Scriptures you can recite. And also remember, beating someone over the head with your Bible will never get you far!

God’s definition of what matters is pretty straightforward. He measures our love by how we love…how we love Him and how we love others. That foundational love is grounded on this Scripture in Deuteronomy…showing the totality of our devotion to God He demands…it cannot be merely lip service, but heartfelt love and commitment. Then there’s Romans 13:9 that tells us to, “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Which means extending to others the concern that we’d naturally express in protection and provision for ourselves. Next, there’s I Corinthians 13:4-8 that illustrates Jesus’ love that we are to show others…patience, kindness, humility, holiness, truthfulness, hopefulness, trust, hope, and endurance. Finally, there’s I John 3:11, a profound commandment of Jesus founded on His own gift of love to all of humanity, “We should love one another.” (John 13:34-35) Looking across the Bible, we can see a multitude of Scriptures concerning love for God and others… all showing the importance and requirements He places on how we are to love.

Earlier in verse 5, Paul writes that God has called us to “suffer well” for Christ and therefore to follow in His steps. (Romans 8:17, Colossians 1:24, Hebrews 12:2-3, I Peter 2:21) Thus, as members of the Body of Christ, we are joined with Him in every dimension of life…both good and bad. (I Corinthians 12:26) Hence, our hope must be built on His example and ideal…influencing our attitudes and actions in “suffering well.” So what does this look like? It’s a kind spirit, an enduring courage, and a generous outlook as we persevere with unwavering trust.

Sometimes God closes doors because it’s time to move forward…and He knows we won’t move unless our circumstances force us to. That’s when we have to trust Him in the transition. But for most of us, that passage from one state, place, stage, or subject to another is rough. That’s because we are creatures of habit and feel most comfort with ritual & routine. So just how can we trust God in the transition? Nahum 1:7 tells us that, “He cares for those who trust in Him.” Which means that God is benevolent, always desiring our wellbeing and prosperity… and this holy love therefore, is His demonstration of His abundant blessings and kindness to those who love and trust in Him. So don’t fear the closed door…rather trust Him in the transition.

We can easily rationalize almost anything to justify our actions. But as this Scripture tells us, God’s Word of decision is what shapes the events of our life. It’s by His divine wisdom and understanding that determines our way of life…not the other way around. So if we’re really wise, we will willingly allow God to direct our paths. For if it’s in God’s Will, it will happen…nothing will be able to stop it. And if it’s not, we know that God has a far better plan for us. So have peace and trust in Him.

Starting over is never easy. It’s wrought with anxiety, fear, and indecision as you struggle to find your “new normal” or new season of your life. Ecclesiastes 3:1 tells us that, “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven.” So the truly wise Believer will acknowledge that “all our times” are in God’s hands, (Psalm 31:15) and that every season of our life was planned out by Him before the world began. In other words, every time and season has been determined, appointed, and perfectly timed out in our life. Thus my prayer today asks God to prepare my heart for what’s ahead…teaching and enabling me with His strength and courage to step forward with faith, trust, and hope. All the while reminding me that new beginnings and new seasons of life are always possible with Him as my guide.

Don’t stop praying because you don’t see immediate results. God works on His timetable, which is always perfect & on time. So what are we to do while we wait? II Corinthians 4:16 tells us to not lose heart because the Lord renews our strength every day…demonstrating His power through our weakness. And then there’s also Hebrews 12:1-3 that exhorts us to throw off that what hinders us (fear, discouragement, and doubt) and with perseverance run the race set before us. So as we wait in the hallway for the door to open, we wait patiently in hope, knowing God is in full control.

When my mind is overwhelmed and scattered, bring me back to the clarity of Your Will, O Lord. For I know the draw of the world is powerful, and the moral contrast between heaven and earthly things are even more separate and distinct. (Philippians 3:19-20) Help me to focus on what’s in front of me today…not fretting over tomorrow or the “what if’s” that swirl around in my mind and keep me awake at night. Teach me Lord to release what I have no control over. For if I’d admit it to myself, there’s very little I have control over except myself, my emotions, and my decisions. Help me then to be ever setting my mind on things above and seeking after Your Will. Amen.