Month: November 2020

“Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; do not fret when men succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes” (Psalm 37:7).

I read these words this morning and was encouraged. Sometimes it’s hard to be still especially when we observe wickedness going on around us. I forget that God is keenly aware of every detail of life. It isn’t my job to punish or even disparage the wickedness. Psalm 37:9 tells me “evil men will be cut off.” And not by me!

Earlier in this Psalm, David says three other things I can do.

“Trust in the Lord and do good.”

“Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart.”

“Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this: He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun.”

I thank God I can trust Him to help me do the good I can never do on my own. I thank Him for His promises that are never broken.

I thank God for His delight in me (Zephaniah 3:17) so I can delight myself in Him.

I thank God for His faithfulness. He gives me thousands of reasons why I should commit my life to Him. God is the only One who can stabilize my unstable life. He is the one who requires my all. He gave His all for me.

Joseph L. Felix said it this way in his little book, Lord, Have Murphy!

“On the other hand, if Christ is indeed the love of my life, His cross will be the focal point that keeps my spiritual growth intact. It will bring an overflow of courage, strength, and endurance as I face the hardships of everyday living. I will be able to accept the things that happen. Even if the death of a love one darkens my life, I will accept it as part of His plan. Christ’s life was expendable; all other human lives surely must be so. But what is expended is not wasted. There was no futility in Christ’s death. So also each of the sorrows that comes into my life has a purpose.”

Last weekend my daughters and I enjoyed a getaway retreat while we streamed the ICOM sessions. The theme was The Cross Before Me; a reminder of what is of upmost importance in our Christian life. I enjoyed a day with most of my family yesterday and am truly thankful they chose to spend time with me. I hope you and yours also enjoyed family time, with gratitude in your hearts!

“Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil” (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14).

I am weary of COVID, elections, and all things controversial. Maybe you identify with that. Things seem to go from bad to worse. Sometimes I feel I’m on a slippery slope and desperately trying to find a firm landing. Circumstances can do that to me. That’s why I am more determined than ever to keep my eyes and heart fixed on God and His Word: the solid Rock that never changes!

This week Solomon (Ecclesiastes) has encouraged me. He tells me after all has been said and done, my duty is to “fear God and keep His commandments.” So, when I am frustrated, angry, confused, or whatever emotion I’m going through, I must fear God and keep His commandments.

The Apostle Paul challenged me in Philippians chapter 1 to have courage, to rejoice, and to focus on others for the sake of the gospel. His circumstances included being in chains and imprisoned for preaching the gospel. And yet, he was rejoicing because many others were encouraged to speak the word of God fearlessly (v. 14).  Paul was more concerned that others hear the gospel message than his own comfort. His desire was to have sufficient courage to exalt Christ in his body, whether he lived or died.

“For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body” (Philippians 1:21-24).

I’m afraid I don’t quite measure up to Paul’s unselfishness. His life was Christ living in him and his desire was for others to be saved. He said it was necessary for him to continue with others for their “progress and joy in the faith” (v.25). Paul recognized his duty to “fear God and keep His commandments.” Jesus said to love God and love others (see Matthew 22:37-39). Jesus also told us to pray for workers for God’s harvest field (Matthew 9:38) and at the end of His time on Earth He commanded us to “make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19).  Not much there about my own comfort and desires!

So, in this uncertain and sometimes chaotic time, I’m choosing to do my best to focus on fearing God and keeping His commands. I’m praying for workers in God’s kingdom, looking for ways to love others, and watching for opportunities to share my faith with the lost. And, like the Apostle Paul, hoping and praying for sufficient courage to exalt Christ!