SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                               1146

“In His Hands”

In you, O Lord, do I take refuge…I trust in you, O Lord…I say, “You are my God.”My times are in your hand; – Psalm 31:1, 14-15

We live in troubling times: The Coronovirus pandemic and its mutations; Shelter in place orders; Businesses failing; Unemployment; War in the Middle East; Inflation; Threats of conflict in the Far East; Cancel Culture; Religious persecution; Southern border crisis and the list goes on and on.

Many of us and those around us are fearful for our future and the future for our children and grandchildren. However, none of our current circumstances comes as a surprise to Our Father in Heaven and He tells us, His children, ‘Don’t be afraid. I’ve got this. I’ve got you. Trust Me’

Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them…fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. – Psalm 139:16– Isaiah 41:10

Our times have been in His hands since before we were born. We have made choices, both good and bad, that have brought consequential circumstances, yet none of these surprised Our Father and He worked all of them for good, for us and for others.

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. – Romans 8:28

We have to be honest with ourselves. Do we lament our current troubling circumstances because of our love for the world? Are we downhearted because of the disruption of our finances, plans and thoughts of how we expected and wanted our life in this world to be? Would we resent the Lord’s sudden return for His church because ‘there are things I have yet to do or enjoy in this world’?

Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation. Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. – Psalm 42:5 – 1 John 2:15

We should be living our lives in eager expectation of Jesus’ return for His church while occupying until He calls us home.

Calling ten of his servants, he gave them ten minas, and said to them, ‘Engage in business until I come.’ Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes. Truly, I say to you, he will set him over all his possessions. – Luke 19:13 – Matthew 24:46-47

Our present times are fleeting. There is no pleasure in this world that can compare to what the Lord has prepared for us for eternity with Him.

Pray continually for the Lord to protect us and carry us through these evil times. Trust in Him always. Seek His presence continually and do not let your heart be troubled.

Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. – John 14:1