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Sometimes my “by the book” personality gets me into trouble. Most of the time, I like things done, “decently and in order.” Scripture teaches us that principle.
Let all things be done decently and in order. 1 Corinthians 14:40 Several years ago, I was co-leading a ministry team to Romania. I was very frustrated when the schedule and plans kept changing. One of the younger team members was a great example to me, teaching me to enjoy the moment and to relax. God was in charge. When I read Psalm 119:121 - 128, I saw my personality show up in verse 126: It is time for the Lord to act, for your law has been broken. www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%20119%3A121-128&version=ESV;HCSB;TLB Do you feel that way about many of the things that are happening in the world today? It seems the world has gone crazy! People break the law and get away with it. Some of the laws written by our current governments are contrary to God’s Holy Word. It’s hard not to want to say to the Lord, ‘Please put a stop to this insanity, we have had enough!’ “Come, Lord Jesus, Come.” Thankfully, God did not turn away the prayer of the writer of this Psalm, and He will not turn away those who come to Him with their honest, obedient and faithful hearts. We can go to God with all of our frustrations. We can speak to Him with everything we are thinking and feeling. He wants us to admit these to Him, and then lay them at His feet to handle and take care of according to His will and timing. God wants to hear our honest hearts, coming to Him in humble obedience, being like Christ. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though He was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, He humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Philippians 2: 5-8 If you are feeling frustrated today and want to say as the Psalmist said: IT IS TIME FOR THE LORD TO ACT! Admit it to the Lord and claim the following verse for yourself. “May the peace of God, that surpasses all understanding, keep your heart and mind in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:7
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- There is so much sadness, grief, and confusion today in the media, in our world, and lives. Life can seem hopeless.
When I read Psalm 119: 113-120, I find the source of hope and the place of protection. My prayer for each of you today is that you will know, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that God loves you and cares for you. Recently I was listening to the memorial message of a woman who died much too soon. She was a wife, mom and grandmother who spent most of her adult life serving as a missionary with her husband. The pastor reminded us of this truth that we all need to remember: "Being a follower of Christ does not make us immune to the realities of life. Being a follower of Christ gives us the ability to cope with what life throws at us." David Mann - World Partners USA These verses from today’s reading assure us that God is with us holding us tight in the storm: “You are my hiding place and my shield, I hope in Your Word.” vs 114 “Uphold me according to your promise that I may live…” vs 116 “Hold me up that I may be safe…” vs 117 In the middle of all the chaos of today, remember the promises found in Romans 8:34-39. Nothing can separate us from the love of Christ;
With Christ, we will conquer the situation, and nothing can separate us from the Love of Christ. Being held in God’s hand is the hope we depend upon every day. “May the peace of God, that surpasses all understanding, keep your heart and mind in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:7 “Mom, I’m at a job in Woodstock; Janet is at McMaster Children’s Hospital in Hamilton with Jon-Marc. The doctors are going to give her the test results and they would like her to have someone with her.” “Phil, I’m leaving now.”
I will never forget that day, those words, and the tears I cried. Even now, as I write this eleven years later, the memory of that day is vivid, bringing deep emotion and tears. We thank the Lord that Jon-Marc is entering highschool in the fall. God spared his life, and guided the family through the diagnosis of Leukemia, the extremely difficult first 2½ years following, conintued treatments, and the very slow improvement since. God has guided the parents through dozens of decisions, and helps them to continue to have a healthy marriage. None of that could have happened without complete dependence on God and His Word. We are looking at Psalm 119: 105-112 today. These verses have some very helpful principles and action points to implement when going through dangerous and perhaps life-altering situations. Let’s take a close look at them. Remember, none of these are likely new to you, but perhaps you will see them with a different perspective as we consider COVID-19 through the lens of scripture. 105 Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (Ps 119:105–112). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles. As you read these verses over several times, what is God saying to you today? Is there anything God has pointed out to you that will help you to deal with the issues this pandemic is presenting to you? Take a moment to encourage someone else by recording, in the comment field, how God has spoken to you today. The Collingsworth family sing Fear Not Tomorrow. Listen, it may encourage you. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lmH5QQSLtNk “May the peace of God, that surpasses all understanding, keep your heart and mind in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:7 |
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