Challenging times

In spite of alarming media reports regarding the economy, the escalation of drug and alcohol related violence and family breakdown in our Nation; I have a deep sense of hope and expectation for the future. Challenging times can be a great opportunity to re-evaluate and examine where we have previously placed our focus and confidence.

I have found in the last 20 + years of my life that no matter what the circumstances, when my hope is anchored in God’s Word, I can stand steady and strong and experience a peace (that surpasses all understanding), no matter what comes my way.  Why do I have this unwavering trust in God’s Word? Because I HAVE EXPERIENCED the POWER of His Word in so many PROFOUNDLY PRACTICAL ways. Through good times and bad, HIS WORD has PROVEN to be the ‘sure and steadfast ANCHOR of my soul’, (mind, will and emotions) where I find comfort, encouragement, wisdom and clear direction. I’ve found that God’s amazing Word has the capacity to STABILIZE my thinking at times when I’ve needed it most.

It saddens me to hear some folks say, ‘If God is so good and loving why did He let that bad thing happen’? It’s NOT GOD! It’s the ‘other fella’ – the devil who is running rampant across the face of the earth. The bible says in 1 Peter 5 v 8 ‘The devil roams around like a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour’. Some biblical meanings of the word ‘devour’ are: to DESTROY, INTIMIDATE, to consume by eating, to squander to waste substance, to ROB ONE OF HIS GOODS, to RUIN by AFFLICTION or INJURY, utterly consume – often consumption of the strength of the body and mind BY STRONG EMOTIONS.

The GOOD NEWS is however, that there is a place of protection ‘in God’ for us all. If we will come humbly before Him, ask for forgiveness for where we have ‘missed the mark’ and submit/surrender our lives to Jesus Christ, and begin THE JOURNEY of allowing THE WORD to transform us. The Bible, unlike any other book, is not ‘just words on a page’ but ACTUAL SPIRITUAL FOOD that will NOURISH, ENCOURAGE, COMFORT AND CHALLENGE us on every level and TRANSFORM OUR THINKING.

In these times DON’T ALLOW the media or the ‘opinions of man’ to unsettle you! Place your trust in God! Proverbs 3 v 5,6 (NKJ) version says: ‘Trust in the Lord with ALL of your heart and LEAN NOT on your own understanding; in ALL of your ways, ACKNOWLEGE  Him and HE  SHALL  DIRECT YOUR PATHS.

The ‘Message’ version says it this way, ‘Trust in God from the bottom of your heart; don’t try to figure out everything on your own. Listen for God’s voice, (His inner prompting) in everything you do, everywhere you go; He’s the only One Who will keep you on track. Don’t assume you know it all! Run to God.

YOU CAN TRUST GOD!  The Bible says ‘His Word is sure’ (absolutely trustworthy, secure).

The Word of God IS UNCHANGING, it is ‘the same yesterday, today and forever’. It is not to be watered down or compromised to appease an unregenerate society but is a BENCHMARK for US to line up with – to be reverenced and yielded to in order that we might become a ‘holy Nation unto God’. In that place of humility and obedience and prostration, we are positioned to inherit the ABUNDANT blessings of obedience that He LONGS to pour out on His children.

Why not purpose in your heart today to acquire a Holy Bible. You will be so glad you did!