Monday, November 30, 2020

Pastor's Ponderings, November 30, 2020

God Is Our Problem Solver

Because of the pressures of today, many would like to pull the covers over their heads and simply stay in bed.  We are hearing bad news and it keeps getting worse.  Simon Denyer and Akiko Kashiwagi wrote an article in the November 29, 2020 Washington Post entitled, Japan and South Korea see surge of suicides among young women, raising new questions about pandemic stress.  

The article indicated “Suicide rates among young women have increased notably in Japan and South Korea, raising possible links to the prolonged coronavirus pandemic as it amplifies stress levels, worsens economic woes and aggravates feelings of loneliness and isolation.” In addition, “Nielsen reports alcohol sales in stores were up 54% in late March 2020 compared to that time last year, while online sales were up nearly 500% in late April.” Truly we are living in trying times.

Yet, the Bible gives us hope.  We don’t have to entertain sad thoughts.  We can think about those things that is good and worth giving thanks for (Philippians 4:8). While the news may be troubling, God tells us to let His peace rule our hearts and minds through His Son Jesus Christ (Philippians 4:7). God wants us to know that He has great plans to give us a hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11).


Edward Mote’s song, “Solid Rock” has the lyrics, “My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus' blood and righteousness; I dare not trust the sweetest frame, but wholly lean on Jesus' name. On Christ, the solid rock, I stand; all other ground is sinking sand.” We may still get bad or worse news on tomorrow, but we know that God is in control of our tomorrows and wants us to trust Him to take care of us. This week let us cast all of cares upon Him because He cares for us (1 Peter 5:7).  Let God be your problem solver.

Philippians 4:8

New Life Version

Christian brothers, keep your minds thinking about whatever is true, whatever is respected, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever can be loved, and whatever is well thought of. If there is anything good and worth giving thanks for, think about these things.

 

Philippians 4:7

New Life Version

7 The peace of God is much greater than the human mind can understand. This peace will keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

 

Jeremiah 29:11

New Life Version

11 For I know the plans I have for you,’ says the Lord, ‘plans for well-being and not for trouble, to give you a future and a hope

 

1 Peter 5:7

New Life Version

Give all your worries to Him because He cares for you.

 


 

 

 

  

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