In His Word 10-9-2023
Sometimes we hear of horrible things happening I the world that
put fear in our hearts and minds. We wonder why it happened, and if we are in danger
of it happening near us? Many times, in history, we read about it in the Old
Testament books , Israel was threatened to be defeated. God always came through
for them then, even when they were the ones in the wrong. He did, however,
allow some suffering as they were to take responsibility for their actions
against Him. Today we can know, that as Christians our sins are forgiven, and
we are set free from their bondage. Even still we sometimes suffer pain or sadness
. Many say that is because the rain falls on the just and the unjust, others
will quote the scriptures about actions and consequences. What I have learned
is that even in the midst of turmoil, pain, or sorrow, to praise the Lord for
the small things and know that big things will come, eventually.
As we lift up those in the turmoil at the moment we can
thank God that we have peace in our homes at the moment. We can lift up those
who are in pain, or those who would lose their lives today. Ask that God will
bring them to the knowledge of Jesus Christ. The thing is we do not know when
someone, or even our own lives will be put to the test of our faith. Because of
this we want to pray and thank the Lord
at all times.
We need to remember to have His praise continually on our
lips. Remember the good things even amidst the bad.
I prayed
to the Lord, and he answered me. He freed me from all my fears. Those who look
to him for help will be radiant with joy; no shadow of shame will darken their
faces. In my desperation I prayed, and the Lord listened; he saved me from all
my troubles. For the angel of the Lord is a guard; he surrounds and defends all
who fear him.
Taste and see that the Lord is good. Oh, the
joys of those who take refuge in him! Fear the Lord, you his godly people, for those who fear him will have all they
need. Even strong young lions sometimes go hungry, but those who trust in the
Lord will lack no good thing. Psalm 34:1-10
When we seek Him we will find Him…
As a child when I was afraid, though I did not really know
for certain that He existed, I would cry out the name of Jesus Christ in fear.
When I was searching for the truth, I thought about the fact that in the middle
of my fear I called on this name that I did not really know other than the
coloring page I colored at a Sunday School class at 3 or 4 years old, and the Christmas
Story. I had not put the name and the Word together yet, but it made me think
about the fact that I called out to Him for help when I felt in danger.
I sought the Lord and He heard me and delivered me from my
fears.
The reality of this verse always strikes me hard in the
heart. He has delivered me from my fears. The thing is until I read it again I
often forget that fact!
I am ‘afraid’ of heights, closed places, being left all
alone…. Anywhere really! Though they may have distant reasons I can also know
that God has removed them from my heart, and I must remind my mind that He has
taken them when I accepted that He was the Lord of my life.
Perfect love casts out all fear. 1 John 4:18
By His love Jesus has removed my fears. All but the fear of
the Lord! I trust that He will guide me in the right way but am honored that He
will direct my path.
Come, my children, and listen to me, and I will teach you to fear the Lord. Does anyone want to live a life that is long and prosperous? Then keep your tongue from speaking evil and your lips from telling lies! Turn away from evil and do good. Search for peace, and work to maintain it. The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right; his ears are open to their cries for help. But the Lord turns his face against those who do evil; he will erase their memory from the earth. The Lord hears his people when they call to him for help. He rescues them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed.19 The righteous person faces many troubles, but the Lord comes to the rescue each time. For the Lord protects the bones of the righteous; not one of them is broken! Psalm 34:11-20
He will protect us, He will guide us, and He will provide
for us, but it is up to us to trust Him and do good! To trust Him with all our
hearts, and to trust Him to bring us through the fire, floods, or whatever it
is you or I are walking through right now. It may hurt for a little while, relatively
speaking, but then things will get better.
So, this is what the Lord, the Lord of Heaven’s
Armies, says: “O my people in Zion, do not be afraid of the Assyrians when they
oppress you with rod and club as the Egyptians did long ago. In a little while
my anger against you will end, and then my anger will rise up to destroy them.“
Isaiah 10:24-25
So ,humble yourselves under the mighty power of
God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor. Give all your worries
and cares to God, for he cares about you. Stay alert! Watch out for your great
enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to
devour. Stand firm against him and be strong in your faith. Remember that your
family of believers all over the world is going through the same kind of
suffering you are. In his kindness God called you to share in his eternal glory
by means of Christ Jesus. So, after you have suffered a little while, he will
restore, support, and strengthen you, and he will place you on a firm
foundation. All power to him forever! Amen. 1 Peter 5:6-11