2 Chronicles 16: 9a - "For the eyes of the LORD roam throughout the earth to show himself strong for those who are wholeheartedly devoted to him."
Psalm 12:7 & 8 - "You, LORD, will guard us, you will protect us from this generation forever. The wicked prowl all around and what is worthless is exalted by the human race."
Psalm 31:15a "My times are in your hand;"
"To rest in the Lord - that is our business. To rely only on him - that is our sole concern." - Spurgeon
When watching the news or reading articles online it is so easy to get discouraged at the negativity and evil that is happening in our world. Sometimes you may feel even helpless. Some may be discouraged because of what Covid-19 has done to the economy and you may be wondering how are you going to pay your bills and feed your family. Some may be dealing with a chronic illness and you are tired of being sick and can get depressed because in your head and heart you want to do so much but your body does not want to cooperate. These verses should encourage you. You are not abandoned or alone in this world if you belong to the Lord Jesus Christ.
I love the words of Spurgeon "To rest in the Lord - that is our business. To rely only on him- that is our sole concern." This is so true and scripture confirms this Philip 4:4-7 "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again; Rejoice! Let your graciousness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. Don't worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your request to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus." I can't even count how many times I have quoted this passage to the Lord in my prayers as I am pleading with Him in whatever the circumstances may be. As we deal with trials in our own life or are looking at the world at large. Colossians 3:1-4 "So if you have been raised with Christ seek the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory." We have to keep our eyes on our risen Savior not on what you see. George Mueller said that if he were to just look at what they had in money compared to what they owed and only look at it from a man, horizontal view, he would shake. Instead, he looked at what he had and what he owed and looked vertical to God and rested in Him, who is faithful, to provide and He did every time. Trust the promises of God! They are true and you can take them to the "bank" and cash them, as Spurgeon says.
If I can encourage you in anything, keep your eyes on Christ not on this world. God is Sovereign! Don't waste any trial God brings your way. Use it to draw you closer to our Lord and Savior. May you look back and see that your trials were the sweetest times in your life. Remember also that Christ's death on the cross and His resurrection conquered sin and death and those in Christ are free to live for Christ and can enjoy an amazing relationship with the Savior. As one in Christ, we are to be the salt and light of this world. May we live in such a way we shine a light on our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ!
Psalm 12:7 & 8 - "You, LORD, will guard us, you will protect us from this generation forever. The wicked prowl all around and what is worthless is exalted by the human race."
Psalm 31:15a "My times are in your hand;"
"To rest in the Lord - that is our business. To rely only on him - that is our sole concern." - Spurgeon
When watching the news or reading articles online it is so easy to get discouraged at the negativity and evil that is happening in our world. Sometimes you may feel even helpless. Some may be discouraged because of what Covid-19 has done to the economy and you may be wondering how are you going to pay your bills and feed your family. Some may be dealing with a chronic illness and you are tired of being sick and can get depressed because in your head and heart you want to do so much but your body does not want to cooperate. These verses should encourage you. You are not abandoned or alone in this world if you belong to the Lord Jesus Christ.
I love the words of Spurgeon "To rest in the Lord - that is our business. To rely only on him- that is our sole concern." This is so true and scripture confirms this Philip 4:4-7 "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again; Rejoice! Let your graciousness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. Don't worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your request to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus." I can't even count how many times I have quoted this passage to the Lord in my prayers as I am pleading with Him in whatever the circumstances may be. As we deal with trials in our own life or are looking at the world at large. Colossians 3:1-4 "So if you have been raised with Christ seek the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory." We have to keep our eyes on our risen Savior not on what you see. George Mueller said that if he were to just look at what they had in money compared to what they owed and only look at it from a man, horizontal view, he would shake. Instead, he looked at what he had and what he owed and looked vertical to God and rested in Him, who is faithful, to provide and He did every time. Trust the promises of God! They are true and you can take them to the "bank" and cash them, as Spurgeon says.
If I can encourage you in anything, keep your eyes on Christ not on this world. God is Sovereign! Don't waste any trial God brings your way. Use it to draw you closer to our Lord and Savior. May you look back and see that your trials were the sweetest times in your life. Remember also that Christ's death on the cross and His resurrection conquered sin and death and those in Christ are free to live for Christ and can enjoy an amazing relationship with the Savior. As one in Christ, we are to be the salt and light of this world. May we live in such a way we shine a light on our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ!