TGIF
It is so easy today to be overwhelmed by what seems like bad news all around us. COVID is still a major issue, seemingly dividing our country even more instead of this pandemic being in our rear-view mirror. We are facing inflation and a shortage of many goods vital to us, producing a difficult time for people both those with limited income and also those people with plenty of spending cash. Then we also consider the family problems we may have, our children’s and grandchildren’s problems, and our friends problems like Tina told us about in her Wednesday message the past 2 weeks. If we let it, life today can become pretty depressing pretty quickly!
John 16:33 – “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
We know in this world we will face trouble throughout our lives, but we need to keep our focus on a source of peace and comfort that is constantly with us – our infinite God – King of Kings and Lord of Lords! He is our loving Savior and faithful friend.
Revelation 19:16 – And on His robe and on His thigh He has a name written, “KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS”.
God is always there with us and for us through the Holy Spirit we have received. We need to connect with Him regularly and faithfully, praying that we may know Him and grow in His love and patience and grace throughout all the days of our lives, regardless of whether our current day is sunny or rainy…… or a hurricane!
Joshua 1:9 – Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
Isaiah 41:10 – So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you.
Deuteronomy 31:6 – Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”
We also need to regularly study His Word. Filling your mind with biblical truth can help you to resist discouragement or resentment when we are challenged. The book of Psalms provides many praises to God, many written by David. David had struggles in his life similar to us, and we can learn much by reading these passages and filling our heart with praises to God. You might start with Psalm 145, which is a 21-verse praise and David’s final message of his 73 written Psalms. This Psalm begins:
Psalm 145:1-2 – I will exalt you, my God the King; I will praise your name for ever and ever. 2 Every day I will praise you and extol your name for ever and ever.
And, of course, we have the 23rd Psalm, written by David, and which we all know and can recite whenever we may need immediate comfort. These two Psalms represent a good starting point for anyone looking to find praises to God in His Word.
The important thing for each of us is to stay in touch with God – worship Him, pray continuously to Him, study His Word, and also serve Him by serving others around you in need.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 – Rejoice always, 17 pray continually, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
Never stop, never give up, remember as a child of God you are the light of the world, continue to shine your light for Him all your days.
Matthew 5:16 – In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
Psalm 105:4 – Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his face always.