We just think God is far off or even worse – hiding from us when times are tough. But it’s only our own apprehension and doubt that causes us to question. In Psalm 46:1 it states, ” God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” The Hebrew meaning for the word ever-present is – to be exceedingly present or found, emphasizing the speed, completeness and might of the Lord’s help. The truth is…God has never left, nor will He ever leave you. Just because we think He’s not “doing anything” does not mean He’s not working in ways we aren’t aware of… for He’s still in control of the entire situation and will work things out for the good of those who love Him.
Tag: Praise the Lord
III John 11 ” Dear friend, do not imitate what is evil but what is good. Anyone who does what is good is from God. Anyone who does what is evil has not seen God.”
“Has not seen God…” A perfect case in point for this scripture is when the prophet Isaiah saw the Lord seated on His throne high and lifted up. (Isaiah 6:1) At that moment Isaiah cried out, “Woe to me! I am ruined! For my eyes have seen the King, the Lord Almighty.” When we perceive the glory, majesty, and power of the living God we suddenly become painfully aware of just how unclean and totally inadequate we are. Our sinful life is laid bare before Him…we have no excuses, no defense before a totally righteous and perfect God. Our only hope then is in the Lord’s unwarranted grace and forgiveness.
Deuteronomy 5:32 ” So be careful to do what the Lord your God has commanded you; do not turn aside to the right or to the left.”
It takes real self-discipline to keep the ways of the Lord. We need to remain faithful, not veering off track when our eye catches a glimpse of something enticing…for that can be our downfall. Our gaze must remain straight ahead, for the way is narrow and evil lurks on either side.
Psalm 112: 4 ” Even in darkness light dawns for the upright, for the gracious and compassionate and righteous man.”
When a fellow Believer is going through suffering and misery, we sometimes look heavenward and ask God, “Why?” We see examples in the Bible of powerful, Godly people who went through very dark times…and again we ask, “Why?” But if you talk to a Believer who’s gone through a traumatic event, in hindsight they will speak of God’s grace and mercy…of how He carried them when they were exhausted and weak…and of how His peace undergirded them to be able to move ahead day by day. Yes, just like Daniel, we will all spend a night in the lions’ den…but take hope, for God is right there beside you in the darkness until the sunrise.
Proverbs 28:5 ” Evil men do not understand justice, but those who seek the Lord understand it fully.”
The world has a hard time distinguishing between right and wrong, especially when wrong seems to be glamorized in all forms of entertainment. Discerning between good and evil should be a simple thing. But it takes a heart that’s filled with fairness, honor and integrity that can fully differentiate between the two.
II Peter 1:4 ” Through these He has given us His very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.”
You can be part of this world, but not polluted by it. (James 1:27) God has given you everything you need to live a victorious life here on earth. The Bible is full of His assurances that you can do it…just take a look.
Joshua 23:14 ” You know with all your heart and soul that not one of all the good promises the Lord your God gave you has failed. Every promise has been fulfilled; not one has failed.”
The Lord is faithful to all His promises…not just some…not just to the ones He wants to keep. No, God cannot go back on His promises to you. His Word is eternal…His covenant is forever. His precious promises to you will never fall short…they will never be in vain.
Matthew 18: 2-4 ” He called a little child and had him stand among them. And He said: ‘I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven.’ “
This story actually started earlier as Jesus and the Disciples were traveling. An argument had ensued among the Disciples of just who was the greatest. So now Jesus was calling them out on it and extinguishing any ego that was still lingering by having a little boy stand among them as an example of how He wanted them to behave. Not as proud, honor-seeking men, but as meek, gentle, giving children.
Psalm 145:3 ” Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; His greatness no one can fathom.”
Paul’s letter to the Romans tried to explain our incomprehension of God’s greatness when he said, “Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God!” (Romans 11:33) As humans, we cannot start to understand or ever figure out just how wonders and miracles happen…for the Lord’s power is truly unfathomable.
Hebrews 11:15-16 ” If they had been thinking of the country they had left, they would had opportunity to return. Instead, they were longing for a better country – a heavenly one.”
The Lord doesn’t want us to long for the past. When we keep going back to the comfortable…the things from our past, we will never move forward. God wants us rather to focus on His vision for today and the future in our life. Oswald Chambers said it best, “Beware of paying attention or going back to what you once were, when God wants you to be something that you have never been.”
Safetypinlove 