The world seems more chaotic by the minute. But God isn’t wringing His hands.
Amid the current pandemic and seemingly never-ending finger-pointing, there is certainty with God alone. My simple post today is intended to encourage you. A go-to scripture in my life is found in Proverbs, chapter 1, vs. 33. It says:
“but whoever listens to me will live in safety and be at ease, without fear of harm.” (NIV, Bible)
This past couple of weeks has brought news from dear close friends who recently learned of life-threatening cancer diagnoses. Also, another close friend will undergo triple bypass heart surgery. Yet another friend’s cousin has been hospitalized with some serious symptoms from COVID 19. I know many of you are personally affected by the hard times that come our way.
The Lord did not tell us that there wouldn’t be trouble in this world. To the contrary, Jesus said in Matthew 6:34,
“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” (NIV, Bible)
All of us need an anchor when the storms blow. Jesus is never shaken by the storms but rules over them all. He calmed the raging wind and the waves when the disciples who were in the boat with him panicked — yes, it is recorded in Mark 4:39,
“He (Jesus) got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.” (NIV, Bible)
A wonderful hymn is entitled “Near to the Heart of God,” composed by Cleland McAfee. When I’m troubled, I know I can go to my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and have full confidence that He has everything under control. Indeed, it is an absolute and blessed anchoring truth that “He has the whole world in His hands.” I’ll conclude by sharing the words of “Near to the Heart of God” followed by a link to an article that shares the story behind MeAfee’s hymn lyrics.
There is a place of quiet rest,
Near to the heart of God;
A place where sin cannot molest,
Near to the heart of God.
O Jesus, blest Redeemer,
Sent from the heart of God;
Hold us, who wait before Thee,
Near to the heart of God.
There is a place of comfort sweet,
Near to the heart of God;
A place where we our Savior meet,
Near to the heart of God.
O Jesus, blest Redeemer,
Sent from the heart of God;
Hold us, who wait before Thee,
Near to the heart of God.
There is a place of full release,
Near to the heart of God;
A place where all is joy and peace,
Near to the heart of God.
O Jesus, blest Redeemer,
Sent from the heart of God;
Hold us, who wait before Thee,
Near to the heart of God.
Go here to read the history of the above hymn. It certainly befits these present times of pandemic, I believe.
I hope my feeble words encourage you where you’re at. If you’ve never called on Jesus before, there’s no better time than the present. The scriptures tell us that when we seek Him, we surely find Him.
Hope you have a good remainder of this summer weekend, friends.
God bless Paul and thanks.
Have a good Lord’s Day, Milt!
Such a well chosen verse, Thank you
Hey Julian. Thanks for reading and commenting. God is never outdated but always present. His Word speaks where we are at from generation to generation. Many in the world question the authority of the Bible. But if we listen to Him, we know in our hearts it is from The Author and we know His is the voice of Truth. And we know He is our anchor, come what may. Take care, my friend.
I am sorry to hear of those near you who are facing health issues and may be anxious about what tomorrow will bring. Matthew 6 provides assurance that God still cares for us even in the midst of difficulties in this life and has prepared a place for us going forward (John 14 1-5). One of my favorite hymns is “It is well with my soul.”
When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say,
It is well, it is well with my soul.
Refrain:
It is well with my soul,
It is well, it is well with my soul.
Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
Let this blest assurance control,
That Christ hath regarded my helpless estate,
And hath shed His own blood for my soul.
My sin—oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!—
My sin, not in part but the whole,
Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more,
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!
For me, be it Christ, be it Christ hence to live:
If Jordan above me shall roll,
No pang shall be mine, for in death as in life
Thou wilt whisper Thy peace to my soul.
But, Lord, ’tis for Thee, for Thy coming we wait,
The sky, not the grave, is our goal;
Oh, trump of the angel! Oh, voice of the Lord!
Blessed hope, blessed rest of my soul!
And Lord, haste the day when the faith shall be sight,
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll;
The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend,
Even so, it is well with my soul.
Once you become aware of the circumstances surrounding the writing of this hymn by Horatio Spafford the versus
take on added meaning in terms of trusting God’s providence whatever befalls in this life.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/It_Is_Well_with_My_Soul
God Bless and Keep you.
Andrew,
Thank you for taking the time to be concerned and so considerate. I agree with all you said!
The history of “It is Well with My Soul” was familiar to me. But I just read it again via the link you shared. What a testimony of the power of God’s grace!
We read about Job and think on him when we think of a man (of God) facing dire straits. We also see that others experience grievous tests all through history and also today. When we see ones respond in trust toward God in the storm, that faith reveals the goodness of God and exhorts us, as believers, forward.
My mom died with brain cancer a bit over a decade ago. She lived such a godly life. When the cancer came, she never spoke about it other than what was necessary when undergoing treatment. Nothing really changed. She continued seeking to know Him more and to share the gospel with people. She taught me and my siblings throughout her life with us. But it was her testimony of faith in Him during that period of her cancer that left the greatest impact on me. God does indeed work all things together for good to those who love Him and are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28) He takes what seem to be bad things and brings about His good will and it’s also for our good in the end.
Thanks again for your kindness. I desire God’s blessing each day and appreciate that desire you expressed toward me. And may He bless you and be gracious to you….and shower you with His peace.
Yes. God isn’t ringing His hands.
Thanks for sharing this post and I totally agree with all you said!
thanks for reading and commenting, friend.