July 2009
Watching the news hasn’t been a lot of fun these past few weeks. On the international scene the chaos and bloodshed in Iran is certainly heartbreaking and frightening. And the saber rattling of the North Koreans has Americans in our 50th state wondering if they will see another Pearl Harbor. On the national front the polarization of conservatives and liberals seems to be growing wider, as legislation and court orders keep changing in regards to a whole host of issues. Mistrust is growing. Many executives at financial corporations bailed out by the federal government have just decided to increase their salaries by 50% to make up for the bonuses they are not allowed to take. To quote Brian Williams, “They just don’t get it.” While some pundits are trying to put a positive spin on the economy, men and women are still losing jobs, especially here in west Michigan. That all doesn’t even take into account all the individual lives that are being impacted by illness, troubles in their homes, and the daily struggles of life. Times are tough and it can be discouraging.
What are we to make of all this? Are you living in fear of what the future may hold? Do you find it difficult to just get through the day? You are not alone. The prophet Jeremiah lived during a time of great upheaval for the people of Judah. In fact, their nation crumbled and the people found themselves taken captive by the powerful Babylonians. Things couldn’t have been worse for the nation. And on top of all that, Jeremiah, the spokesman for God, was personally attacked and hated for simply telling the people the truth. It is no wonder that Jeremiah was called the weeping prophet.
But Jeremiah knew the Scriptures and he knew the God of the Scriptures. That is why he could say, just as the psalmist had, “Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose trust is the LORD” (Jeremiah 17:7). This word “blessed” speaks of one who is “filled with God-defined benefits. Only trust in God motivates confident obedience in times of crisis.”
I don’t know all that you are personally facing today, but I do know that God is faithful and our call is to steadfastly obey Him and honor Him. Nations will rise and fall. Laws will be passed and change. Even our health and homes may be lost to the flames, but you will be blessed if you put your full trust in the One who is the Beginning and the End. His faithfulness is assured. For that, we can continually praise and thank Him!
Trusting our Faithful God with you,
Pastor Lew
What are we to make of all this? Are you living in fear of what the future may hold? Do you find it difficult to just get through the day? You are not alone. The prophet Jeremiah lived during a time of great upheaval for the people of Judah. In fact, their nation crumbled and the people found themselves taken captive by the powerful Babylonians. Things couldn’t have been worse for the nation. And on top of all that, Jeremiah, the spokesman for God, was personally attacked and hated for simply telling the people the truth. It is no wonder that Jeremiah was called the weeping prophet.
But Jeremiah knew the Scriptures and he knew the God of the Scriptures. That is why he could say, just as the psalmist had, “Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose trust is the LORD” (Jeremiah 17:7). This word “blessed” speaks of one who is “filled with God-defined benefits. Only trust in God motivates confident obedience in times of crisis.”
I don’t know all that you are personally facing today, but I do know that God is faithful and our call is to steadfastly obey Him and honor Him. Nations will rise and fall. Laws will be passed and change. Even our health and homes may be lost to the flames, but you will be blessed if you put your full trust in the One who is the Beginning and the End. His faithfulness is assured. For that, we can continually praise and thank Him!
Trusting our Faithful God with you,
Pastor Lew
posted by Pastor Lew @ 2:51 PM
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