Monday, December 15, 2014

I Don't Know What to Do - But I Do Know God Doesn't Change

In Times of Turmoil the Christian Knows.....

We are living in religious, social, political, and probably personal turmoil.   Fortunately, Isaiah 26:3 gives us these comforting words; ‘Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.
Here are some things that the Christian whose ‘mind is fixed’, who ‘stays the course’, or ‘who perseveres’  in  keeping their thoughts stayed on the Lord knows:
I know my redeemer liveth.  Job 19:25  

What would be the point of trusting in the ideology of a dead philosopher?  The Redeemer of the Christian lives eternally.  He has power of death for Himself and for those who believe in Him.
I know Jesus is the Christ.  John 4:42   

Christians need look no further for their salvation.
I know all things work together for good to them that love the Lord and are called according to his purpose.  Romans 8:28

How hard it is to see this with our eyes when facing turmoil.  Matthew Henry explains it this way. 
That is good for the saints which does their souls good. Every providence tends to the spiritual good of those that love God; in breaking them off from sin, bringing them nearer to God, weaning them from the world, and fitting them for heaven.’ 

The good may not be that the event itself works out for good, although it often does.  There will always be good in events that draw us closer to the God of our Salvation.
I know that if our earthly house is dissolved, we have an eternal home with God.  

2 Corinthians 5:1
Based on God’s abilities, we have a secure future in heaven.  We will have health for eternity.  We can lay up treasures now for that bright future.

 I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.  2 Timothy 1:12b
God Almighty who created all things is able to keep and sustain all things. 

 I know believers are sons of God.  When He appears we shall be like Him.  1 John 3:2
Christians have been adopted by the King of all kings. 

 We have passed from death to life because we love the brethren.  1 John 3:14   God gives His children love for the brethren.  Like God’s love, it is unconditional.  (This does not mean we approve of or accept immoral behavior.  It means we love the brethren regardless.  Of course, how much easier it is to love those who are of like mind and are in fellowship with God.)
In facing the turmoil or storms of life, first consider the things that you do know regarding the character of God and His care for His children.  Then obey Philippians 4:8 which says, ‘Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

This will help you to keep your thoughts and actions in harmony with each other. 

This will help you have perfect peace in your own heart.
Your life may encourage non-believers to reflect on how it is that you have peace in the turmoil of our times.