Encouragement in Trying Times

I have been thinking a lot lately about our peace in God and after a discussion last night in a class John and I are in I felt prompted to pass some encouragement to those of us who might be a little unsettled.
Right now our nation is in a financial turmoil, moral standards are being tested, and we have an election coming up that some people claim could change the course of America. Not that I don’t agree with the last statement as the person who will be in office next might have the power to elect judges that will view the constitution in the light of their morals and values. However, we can and should rest in the peace of God, knowing that in all of this, the world is but a spec in the entire creation of the heavens and earth and the “earth is the Lord’s footstool.” (Isaiah 66:1) We are devoting so much ot our time and energy worrying about the world around up, but GOD is not only our King, but He is our Father, who lavishly LOVES His Children. We have nothing to be afraid of. We are not orphans as my pastor reminded us recently. Here we are worrying about what our 401K might look like or whether we should move to Canada if the candidate we choose does not win the election. This happens every 4 years…we allow fear to come in and dominate our every decision based on an election of an earthly ruler. In the Old Testament, we see where the people were SO desperate to have an earthly king, that God finally gave them what they wanted (1 Samuel 8). It did not turn out to be a pleasant experience and we can see today that that is often the case. As Christians, however, our KING of kings is YAWEH, and we are instructed that “every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God. (Romans 13:1) GOD is still our GRACIOUS King. The Bible says that God’s kingdom is everlasting. It is UNSHAKABLE. “Therefore, since we receive a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us show gratitude, by which we may offer to God an acceptable service with reverence and awe.” (Hebrews 13:28) If you are a Christian, YOU are part of His Kingdom and you can be the peace in the midst of the storm. In these days allow your peace and joy to be what draws others to Christ. The Bible says that the Lord will shake the heavens and the earth. (Hebrews 13:26) One day ALL that we find stable in this life, whether it be the economy or the very ground we walk upon, will one day be shaken and ALL that will stand is the Kingdom of God. If you are part of that kingdom, you are part of this unshakable kingdom, not tossed by the waves as one who doubts (James 1:6) or is hopeless, nor drawn back in fear, for we are VAULABLE to God. (Matthew 10:31) If we look outside of ourselves and remember why we are here…not to live in the world’s securities, but to have the peace of heaven living inside of us, then we will always be prepared for whatever we face because our hope is in the Lord. We can then begin to focus again on the reason we were placed on this earth…and my guess is, that it is not to live the American dream. Matthew 6:33 tells us that if we seek FIRST the Kingdom and His righteousness, all these things (food, clothing, shelter) will be added to us. Our purpose is to first love the Lord our God, seek after Him and his righteousness, and in doing so we become a light on a hill, set apart in our actions, attitudes, and mindsets. We are PRIVELEDGED to have been given the peace of Christ that surpasses understanding. (Phil. 4:7) You might not understand what is going on around you in these times, but rest assured, that GOD DOES; the Alpha and Omega, the everlasting KING over ALL of the earth and heavens!!!! Let that peace guard your heart from fear. Even if there is an earthly “king” in charge, GOD is STILL on HIS throne and NOBODY can vote Him out of office!!!! REST in that my friends!
“He whose mind is stayed on HIM, shall remain in perfect peace, because he trusts in Him.”(Isaiah 26:3)

Grace to You!