Pastor's Ponderings, September 11, 2017

Abiding In God’s Protection

The September 10^th, 2017 article in the New York Times entitled “Hurricane Irma: ‘A Low Howl,’ ‘Tearing Through the Trees,’ ‘Like Waiting for a Monster” had excerpts from correspondents writing of “Powerful tree-bending winds tearing through South Miami”, and “streets are flooding and quickly becoming impassable.”  Since the ending of August 2017, North America has been hit with hurricanes, wildfires, earthquakes and tornadoes.  There have been many huge fires ripping through our forests.  Lives have been lost due to these terrifying events.

The Bible gives us comfort during these disturbing times.  God says that although trouble comes, we are responsible to not let our hearts be troubled.  Those who love and believe the Lord can trust confidently in His divine protection (John 14:1).  The phrase “fear not” appears over eighty times in the scripture.  The Bible says that God will keep you in perfect peace when you trust Him (Isaiah 26:3).  Many are running to shelters as they should, but God wants us to know that we should dwell in His secret place in Him (Psalm 91:1, 2). 

Although, this is a challenging time, those who love the Lord can share the Good News that God is in charge.  This is not to say those who love the Lord will escape all of the destruction, but God said that He would go through it with us (Psalm 23:4).  During this and future challenging moments, let us abide in Him by faith knowing that He will keep, comfort, and cover us.

John 14:1
Amplified Bible (AMP)

14 “Do not let your heart be troubled (afraid, cowardly). Believe [confidently] in God and trust in Him, [have faith, hold on to it, rely on it, keep going and] believe also in Me.

Isaiah 26:3
New International Version (NIV)

3 You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.

Psalm 91:1, 2
New International Version (NIV)

1 Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.

2 I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”

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; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.