Pastor's Ponderings, October 16, 2017

Resting In the Hands of God

An article in the Atlantic, August 13, 2017 by Joel S. Wit, was entitled, “Back Channel to North Korea: Can secret contacts between Pyongyang and Washington help chart a path out of the crisis?” A sentence from the article read, “…despite escalating tensions which appear to be approaching a violent breaking point, there might be a peaceful way out of what some pundits are calling a “slow-motion Cuban missile crisis.” For those of us who remembered the 1961 Cuban missile crisis, many of us were prepared to endure the horror of nuclear war between Russia and the United States.

We thank God for those who are working to resolve this tense standoff, but we must never put our confidence in the tools of war for our victory (Psalm 20:7).  Moreover, we can never trust man to deliver us from destruction (Psalm 118:8). It is a scary time and no one can guarantee that we will not find ourselves in the midst of a deadly battle, but God will guarantee that He will be with us in any conflict (Psalm 23:4).  Those who love God can confidently trust Him when He says that no weapon that is formed against us shall succeed (Isaiah 54:17).

We see that the pundits, prognosticators, prophets, and pastors are focusing on the disturbing comments of various world leaders. They are worried that the decisions of the current regime could destroy the world.  But God controls their decisions (Proverbs 21:1). The earth is the Lord’s and everyone in it, so we can know that God has it all under control (Psalm 24:1).  We can have His peace during any storm.  We can relax under the shadow of the Almighty God.  Sleep peacefully; we can rest in the mighty hands of God.

Psalm 20:7
New International Version (NIV)

7 Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God

Psalm 118:8
New International Version (NIV)

8 It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in humans.

Psalm 23:4
New International Version (NIV)

4 Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me.

Isaiah 54:17
Amplified Bible (AMP)

17 “No weapon that is formed against you will succeed; and every tongue that rises against you in judgment you will condemn. This [peace, righteousness, security, and triumph over opposition] is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and this is their vindication from Me,” says the Lord.

Proverbs 21:1
Amplified Bible (AMP)

1 The king’s heart is like channels of water in the hand of the Lord; He turns it whichever way He wishes.

Psalm 24:1

New International Version (NIV)

1 The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it;