A Focus on God’s Word Brings Joy and Comfort

The ebb and flow of work, school, and politics vacillates.  Consider COVID-19. Overnight, it revised the way things had been done. More people adjusted to work at home which modified traffic, office building rentals, and our dwellings.  Zoom conferencing invaded our personal havens and our privacy.  Businesses had to suddenly close, which changed economics.  Students shuffled into “distance learning.”  The ways we socialize altered from home fellowships and restaurant gatherings to outside activities and on-line games.

Now we have a new President of the United States and a new political party has national power.  Some look with excitement while others gaze with horror and fear.

Change has always been inevitable, but I think we were all surprised at the speed with which our whole life can be unexpectedly different.

Today, I am reminded of two facts:

1) Nothing in this life stays the same, except for God and His word.  (Hebrew 13:8)

2) Regardless of our job situations, school procedures, or national policies, God is in control.

These are authentic realities, even when things don’t go our way and even when we feel the tide is against us.  As Christians, we can rest in the certainty that we are not just drifters on the waves, there is a purpose to all that happens and that purpose is to bring glory to God’s name.

Whatever transpires next, we have a choice on how we react to the shifting sands: we can live in fear, or we can live in joy.  It’s a matter of focus.  Do we like Peter focus on the tumbling seas around us and sink into them? Or do we keep our focus on Jesus, the Son of God?  (Matthew 14:28-29)

Be Encouraged

The Bible always has words of encouragement for us.  Whenever I feel panic, I think about the fact that God created the whole world.  If He can keep the seas in their place (Proverbs 8:29) then he can take care of me.

Psalm 89: 8-9 (NLT) says:

“O Lord God of Heaven’s Armies!  Where is there anyone as mighty as you, O Lord?  You are entirely faithful.  You rule the oceans.  You subdue their storm-tossed waves.”

Psalm 46:1-3 (NLT) states:

“God is our refuge and strength,  always ready to help in times of trouble.  So we will not fear when earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the sea.  Let the oceans roar and foam.  Let the mountains tremble as the waters surge!”

Find Comfort in Truth:

As details in our world fluctuate, let’s focus on three truths that bring comfort.

1. We are never “forgotten” by God. He always knows where we are and what’s going on in our lives.

“I can never escape from your Spirit!
I can never get away from your presence!
If I go up to heaven, you are there;
if I go down to the grave, you are there.
If I ride the wings of the morning,
if I dwell by the farthest oceans,
even there your hand will guide me,
and your strength will support me.” (Psalm 139:7-10 NLT).

2. We can believe what God says.  His word and promises remain an unchanged solid rock.

“No one is holy like the Lord!
There is no one besides you;
there is no Rock like our God.” (1 Samuel 2:2 NLT).

3. We can trust in God’s plan of salvation. We only need to believe in Jesus and repent of our sin.  God promises to forgive.

“Where is another God like you,
who pardons the guilt of the remnant,
overlooking the sins of his special people?
You will not stay angry with your people forever,
because you delight in showing unfailing love.
Once again you will have compassion on us.
You will trample our sins under your feet
and throw them into the depths of the ocean!” (Micah 7:18-19 NLT)

Our hope is not in this world but in Christ. Though the waves of life tumble and foam, we can trust in the LORD.  God is in control on earth, and He is preparing a place in heaven for those who believe in Jesus.  Someday soon, we will see Him in all his glory.

May focusing on our Lord and Savior bring you joy, today, in spite of your surroundings or circumstances.