Friday, February 9, 2024

Pastor's Ponderings, February 9, 2024

God Brings Clarity In Turmoil

 

Those who are observing our current political turmoil may rejoice or despair depending upon their political leanings.  The Bible says when the wicked are in power people mourn (Proverbs 29:2).  What should we do?  The book of Nehemiah shares the thought that we all have done wrong and ought to turn back to God for His solution to our problems and to unite our country (Nehemiah 1:7-9).  

 

What should we do?  We must remember that whoever rises to power, and authority is not based upon opinion polls, political power, or even financial resources.  God controls who rises and who falls (Psalm 75:6-7).  We are not struggling against people, but against evil forces (Ephesians 6:12). 

 

What should we do?  We ought to always pray (Luke 18:1).  We can ask God for wisdom since He knows the future (James 1:5).  We can unite with others who love the Lord and ask for His leadings as to what we should do as a group knowing that He is there in our midst (Matthew 18:19-20). 

 

What should we do?  He may tell us to write petitions, vote as a block or as individuals, march in the streets, or otherwise protest. However, He could allow us to remember like He instructed King Jehoshaphat who was accosted by a large army.  He told him that the battle was the Lord’s (2 Chronicles 20:15).  Let us be patient; God will bring clarity to our turmoil.

 

Proverbs 29:2

New International Version

2 When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice; when the wicked rule, the people groan.

 

Nehemiah 1:7-9

New International Version
7 We have acted very wickedly toward you. We have not obeyed the commands, decrees and laws you gave your servant Moses.

“Remember the instruction you gave your servant Moses, saying, ‘If you are unfaithful, I will scatter you among the nations, 
9 but if you return to me and obey my commands, then even if your exiled people are at the farthest horizon, I will gather them from there and bring them to the place I have chosen as a dwelling for my Name.’

 

Psalm 75:6-7

New International Version

6 No one from the east or the west or from the desert can exalt themselves.

7 It is God who judges: He brings one down, he exalts another.

 

Ephesians 6:12

Amplified Bible

12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood [contending only with physical opponents], but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this [present] darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly (supernatural) places.

 

Luke 18:1

New International Version

18 Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up.

 

James 1:5

New International Version

5 If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you

 

Matthew 18:19-20

New International Version

19 “Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. 20 For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.”

 

2 Chronicles 20:15, 22, 23

New International Version
15 He said: “Listen, King Jehoshaphat and all who live in Judah and Jerusalem! This is what the Lord says to you: ‘Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s


 

 

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