Pastor's Pondering, January 6, 2020

In Scary Times, God Is Still In Control

My recently born granddaughter has a favorite place, her grandfather’s shoulder.  When she has been fed, cleaned, and there is no real reason for crying, she can always rest on me.  She has no issues of bills, employment, shopping, dating, or any of the adult mundane endeavors.  All that she really wants is to be taken care of by those who love her.

In the Bible, God demonstrates his love for us when He surrounds us with His divine protection (Psalm 91:4).  Since we are under His protection, He declares that no weapon that is formed will prosper against us (Isaiah 54:17).  Despite our problems, failures, sins, rebellion, He declares that we are always accepted (Ephesians 1:6).  Our relatives, friends, neighbors may turn their backs upon us, but we can still look to Jesus the author and the finisher of our faith. Even though I have to fight sleep holding her in my arms, our God does not slumber nor sleep (Psalm 121:2-4).  

We are hearing the drumbeats of war and enemy nations have declared that they will strike American interests.   Just like my granddaughter who doesn’t worry about whatever is going on outside of her world, we must not worry about anything because our God is a very present help in our times of trouble (Psalm 46:1, 2).  

In 2020, let us be more like my granddaughter and less like worry warts.  He holds the dictators and the masses, He has the rich and the poor, and the known and the unknown.  Let us rest on Him who is the same, yesterday and forever (Hebrews 13:8). God has us all under His protection.

Psalm 91:4
New International Version (NIV)

4 He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.

Isaiah 54:17
New International Version (NIV)

17 no weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and this is their vindication from me,”

declares the Lord.

Ephesians 1:6
King James Version (KJV)

6 To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.

Psalm 46:1, 2 

New International Version (NIV)

1 God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.

2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,

Psalm 121:2-4 

New International Version (NIV)

2 My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.

3 He will not let your foot slip—he who watches over you will not slumber;

4 indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.

Hebrews 13:8
New International Version

8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.