FIGHTING FEAR AND UNCERTAINTY

                                                                           

 Hi Friendly People,

This morning finds us with such uncertainty about the future here in the great United States of America. The "united" states seems so far from the truth these days as we hear the spark of civil war being pronounced through social media. I thought it time to write my devotions again so I could encourage someone, anyone. You might be unable to go out doors because of smoke filled skies, you might be in despair over finances, illness or loss, some are over burdened by family and relational dynamic, but I feel the need to really address fear of the future. Fear of the present.

I have always been the sort that evaluates my stance with God on a regular basis; if I were to be tried in my faith would I shine with dignity and hope? 

We are at a place of pressing that will show who we will follow, who and what we believe, who we respect and how far our belief and devotion to God will take us.

Have you been stripped of your strength physically? Have been at the end of yourself emotionally? Have you lost everything? Let's gain some perspective looking at what this great man had to say about being pressed to the end of himself..

Then Job arose, tore his robe, and shaved his head; and he fell to the ground and worshiped. And he said, " Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked shall I return there. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord."  He also said, "Shall we indeed accept good from God, and not accept adversity?

This passage is in Job the first chapter but I warn you if you have not decided that God is indeed the Lord of your life you will get angry when you read it. We must decide that God is sovereign over all aspects of our lives; love, honor, livelihood and our physical health. 

Job, In all this, did not sin with his lips. To accept the bad along with the good? Can I? Can you?

Ecclesiastes 5 is a great read on this subject as he (Solomon) says, "To go as he came; and he shall take nothing from his labor which he may carry away in his hand. And this is a severe evil- just as he came , so shall he go.

Choose not to comprehend how the bad dwells with the good but just accept that sometimes it does and enjoy life because tomorrow is promised to no man. To love what is in front of you is pleasing to God. 

Ecclesiastes 5:19-20  (most nations of the world, consider rich, those who live in the United States.) As for every man to whom God has given riches and wealth, and given him power to eat of it, to receive his heritage and rejoice in his labor-this is a gift of God. For he will not dwell unduly on the days of his life, because God keeps him busy with the joy of his heart.

Choose to believe that every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning. (James 1:17) 

Are you feeling like David did in Psalm 39, in despair? Are you unable to navigate all that is happening in the world today and in your person life? We don't know what David was going through at the time of this Psalm but we can all relate.

We can worry about the present, be in fear about the future and despondent about the end, OR we can:

"Come to Him (Jesus), all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn of Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light." (Matthew 11:28-30)

Let us enjoy what God has given us even as we grieve what we see happening around us. It will lighten the darkness a bit and please God. I have found joy in the darkest of moments and we must do that now to honor God and take on His yoke. We look at what is in front of us and do our best to bring Him honor in faith, hope and thanksgiving in this present time.

A prayer to get you started in reaching out to God and expecting Him to meet you!

Father God, I ask that You penetrate the hearts of those who are in fear and just can't seem to reach their hands to You. You are full of lovingkindness and forbearance, and choose to comfort those who look to You and call on Your name. Would You have Your truth overtake and permeate their hearts and minds until their hearts are softened by Your love and the fear is over-taken by gratitude and thanksgiving. That they are able to see Your goodness and kindness all around them and praise You and thank You! 

In the matchless name of Jesus Christ, Amen 

                                                         Never give up and Never give in!