Getting through hard times
At this time, there is much uncertainty in the world, no matter where you live. There is chaos, unjustice, violence, and devastation happening all over; many things we've recently heard and seen are troubling. We hear of threats, war and violence, locally, within our state, country and world. We see death, disease, loss, and pain. We've been shaken by the news as it continuously dumps more shattering information into laps, that it's becoming harder to ignore. When I observe these things, I am quickly reminded of this passage 6 You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. 7 Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. 8 All these are the beginning of birth pains (Matthew 24:6-8). In all of this, I am in prayer because I don't know what else to do except cling to cling to our Father and seek refuge in Him. Don't worry, I am no end time prophet nor do I claim to be, but if we truly believe in Christ, we know that the words he speaks in this passage are true. Whether we think He will return in our lifetime or not does not matter, we must expect it and prepare for it.
No one knows when Jesus will return, I get that. He says this further down in verse 36 But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. But what I do know is that every day is a day closer to Jesus' second coming, and we must be ready. Jesus is very clear in Matthew 24:44 and says so you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him. I do not feel that Jesus is speaking in parables here. His words are firm and precise. Jesus is the Son of God and he could have said anything, yet these are the words he chose so we need to heed them. So what do we do you may ask or wonder?
I covered some of this in my previous post, The Parable of the Ten Virgins so please read that if you haven't. Today I want to address how we respond to the uncertainty, fear, and anxiety. How do we get through these hard times? Firstly, we need to remember and/or have a deep understanding deep within us that God is in control. There's no ifs, ands, or buts here. Isaiah 14:27 says The Lord of Heaven’s Armies has spoken‚ who can change his plans? When his hand is raised, who can stop him? Secondly, we need to understand how much God loves us. No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us. And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,[b] neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 8:37-39).
Next, in our hard times, desperation, doubt, and fear, we must continue to seek God and pray. We stand on His promises and rely on His Word for strength. I am going to give you a few more verses to support and encourage you, but there are many more. (In the back of some of your Bibles you can look in the index for the word FEAR, and it will give you all the verses containing that word. Or online, you can search for Bible passages on fear, doubt, worry, etc. So please, go look for more of His promises to give you peace and ease.)
John 14:27 Peace is what I leave with you; it is my own peace that I give you. I do not give it as the world does. Do not be worried and upset; do not be afraid.
Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Psalm 94:19 When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul.
Psalm 91:1-16 He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust. He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday. A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you For he will command his angels concerning you, to guard you in all your ways Because he loves me, says the Lord, I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. He will call upon me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him.
There are hundreds of scriptures to encourage you. If you are not reading God's Word, you are doing a major disservice to your spirit and soul. Please open your Bible and let God's messages speak to you, heal you, and minister to your soul.
Let us pray.
Oh Father, Lord God,
My heart is heavy and it breaks; it hurts for all those hurting in the world. We hear and see so many devastating events, which cause us to worry, stress, fear, and doubt. The fear is penetrating our core. But God, we seek Your face during this time. We stand on Your promises. No matter what happens, help us to remember that You are in control. Your ways and thoughts are higher (Isaiah 55:9), and these things must happen you say. But there is a place without fear, sorrow, pain, and tears (Revelation 21:4)--and that place is with you, in Heaven. And those who are no longer here are no longer suffering as some of us may be. Give us comfort, peace, and hope. I command the anxiety, fear, and terror to seize in the name of Jesus! You are our Vindicator and Protector; the battle is Yours (2 Chronicles 10:15). Thank you for the power in your Word, and that it does not return void, but completes all that You've called it to do (Isaiah 55:11). Thank you that You are with us. Let Your Will be done Abba Father. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Prayerfully,
Pam
