There is a tree near my house. Everytime we encounter a storm, I wonder if the strong winds will pull up the roots of the tree. I pondered on how our life is similar to a tree. When "Life Storms" come, they can leave us to feel uprooted. There are seven circumstances that can shake our foundations.
My next breath. I was visiting a friend at the hospital, and noticed patients who needed oxygen to survive. I realized how fragile life is, and beyond our feeble attempts to determine the outcome. We are one breath away from eternity.
Troubled economy. You can't turn on the television or be on the internet without hearing how bad the economy is. It is hard not to worry, because it affects everything from employment to the cost of foods. The forecasts continue to predict difficult times for all of us.
Violence and turmoil. There is so much crime and unrest in other parts of the world, but you don't have to travel far to encounter hostilities. Anxiety can become our state of mind when we allow ourself to dwell on all these influences.
No confidence in political system. There seems to be no end to the fighting among authority figures. Civility and working together to solve problems is a thing of the past. You can't deny the uncertainty of today's world.
Core values deteriorating. We are flooded with advertisements, magazines, movies, and television programs that distort principles, character, and standards of this day and age. There are no more boundaries of decency.
Stress filled life. Consumed by debt, broken down families, and apathy in society have created an environment of tension in everyday life. When there is no hope, where do we turn to?
Natural disasters. Tornadoes, hurricanes, blizzards, famines, earthquakes, flooding and fires, rock our world. These devastations have caused the loss of homes, and countless lives. How do we recover from the decimation, because it affects us mentally, physically, and spiritually?
Regardless of what happens in our lives, one thing is sure. God is in control. He tells us not to be afraid because he is with us. No matter what situation you encounter, the Lord is our refuge and strong tower.
God is life. We utilize all our resources to prolong life. And yet, our times are in God's hands. We can have a more abundant life, being filled with the fullness of Christ. The apostle Paul said, "For me to live is Christ and to die is gain."
God's provision's meet your needs. God tells us we are more important than the birds in the air. His resources are unlimited. The scripture in Phillipians 4 reassures God will supply all our needs, according to his riches. Believe in our heavenly Father to never leave or forsake you.
Take refuge in Christ. The Lord never slumbers nor sleeps. His eyes are always upon us, and he watches over your life. King David called out to God for mercy. When he was afraid, he trusted in God. "What can mortal man do to me?"
Be confident in God. Psalms chapter 118 tells us how it is better to trust in our Lord, than to put any confidence in man. Even though the world questions his validity, we can believe in him. Have faith because there is no other!
God changes not. Time is fleeting, but one thing is certain. No matter how the world continues to change around us, God remains the same. He is our source of holiness and righteousness. Seek a life lead by the spirit, not wavered by the world's beliefs. Without holiness no man will see God.
Peace like a river. God offers a peace that passes all understanding. Not the kind of peace the world offers. A peace that leads you beside quiet waters, stills your heart, and comforts your spirit. The Lord will provide you calmness in the midst of a storm.
God has the world is in His hands. When the foundation of the world crumbles, be assured God is with you. In Isaiah 40, God wants us to know he has measured the waters in the hollow of his hands. God is not slack in his promise to take care of us. Do not be troubled, for the Lord's presence is near us, even to the end of the world.
"Because he loves me," says the Lord, "I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name, He will call upon me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. With long life will I satisfy him and show him my salvation." Psalms 91:14-16
MY PRAYER:
Thank you for your promises of peace and help during troubling times. Keep me under your wings of love. Amen.
