Today is a time of great stress and many uncertainties. Jobs are hard to find and the economy is struggling. People are losing their jobs, cars and even their homes. There is devastation everywhere from floods, hurricanes, tornadoes and other weather related problems. People that have jobs are pushed to accomplish more and put in more hours. Many older people are worried about their pensions and those that haven’t retired yet are worried about whether they will ever be able to retire. I am sure that many people that have jobs are worried about losing them.
Many people don’t trust their government leaders and I don’t blame them. They have been lied to and deceived many times and morality seems to be a thing of the past. Our freedoms are being taken away and a socialistic view is being shoved down our throats. We have a president that would rather appease than to stand up for freedom. Freedom was never free and it never will be, it will always cost something. I thank the multitudes of men and women that were willing to pay the price, some paying the ultimate price so that we could be a free nation.
When I think of all the people that came to our country to escape socialism because they never knew freedom and all the lives it took to achieve that freedom as well as many coming back wounded and scared, it makes me nauseated in a way to think that some of our leaders are trying to undermine our free society and instill socialism in our country. We have riots in our streets and many of the people don’t even know what they are there for. People have been raped and even killed but there has been very little done about it.
As time goes on, more and more believers are being persecuted and their religious freedoms are being taken away. Needless to say we are living in trying and troubling times. So what should we do, throw the towel in and just give up? I have to be honest, for the non-believer there is no hope but for the believer there is always hope. This is not the first time I have written on this subject but it is one of those tidbits we need to hear over and over again.
Think about Iran they are working on a nuclear bomb and by the sounds of it, it may not be far off. And what is our government doing about it? Not much, sanctions will not stop them. This is not a political war with them, this is a religious war that they feel they have to win at any cost. If they get the bomb, and a means to deliver it, they will not hesitate to do it. They will try to destroy Israel and then the United States. They look at Israel as ‘little satan’ and the United States as ‘big satan.’ Their intent is to destroy both and then take over the world. We need to be praying for our leaders that they will be broken over their sins, they will turn from their wicked ways, repent and turn to God who loves them. Then they will know the peace, love and joy that surpasses all understanding.
For all you believers, the Lord isn’t asleep and He is not shocked or surprised at what is happening. The Lord knows the end from the beginning and He has got your best interest in mind. It is easy to look around and say, “where is the Lord in all this.” Let me remind you of something that the Word says in Romans 8:28, “And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” (NAS) Many believers have quoted this verse many times but maybe not in this situation but it is true in every situation. For a believer the Lord is always on their side because we are the apple of His eye.
The Word says in Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” (NIV) So regardless of what we see or hear we can trust our Lord!
The Bible says in Philippians 4: 6-8, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things.” (NAS)
So if you’re worried, down and distressed and your strength is almost gone think on the things you just read and try to meditate on them and give the Lord a sacrifice of praise. I got up this morning feeling pretty down but I sang and praised the Trinity anyway which wasn’t easy but it helped me, praise the Lord and I feel much better. I wasn’t sure if I would be able to come up with a lesson today but after spending time with the Lord praying, reading the Word, praising and thanking God the Father, Jesus my Savior and the Holy Spirit my strength has returned and my perspective has changed. That must be why it says in the end of Nehemiah 8:10, “For the joy of the Lord is your strength.” (NAS)
So if fear, stress and anxiousness have robbed you of your joy and strength try giving the Lord a sacrifice of praise, you may just want to dance and sing before too long and I hope you do. And don’t forget God inhabits the praises of His people, yes, He loves it when we praise Him so make it a daily habit. May God bless you and have a super day.
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