Our day began with a large thunderstorm moving over. At
first you heard the loud rolling thunder off in the distance, but as time
passed it drew closer and it became much, much louder and the rolls seemed to
be right on top of each other as the lightning repeatedly lit up the sky. In
the midst of this the power went out in our home, and even though it was day
time the thickness of the cloud cover kept our home in the dark. This was quite
unnerving for the kids and the cats. The cats hid, but the kids we could talk
to and assure, as we talked about the relative safety of our home as compared
to standing exposed under the power of the storm and related it to the power of
God to protect us from the storm.
As the thunder and lightning moved off into the distance
again and the sky lightened up a bit, the kids became more relaxed, and then
when the sun popped out and the lights eventually came back on things quickly
went back to normal. Through this they once again have come through, what was
for them, a frightening time knowing that all is well.
In a sense don’t we all struggle with fears in some way?
When something imposing presses in there is that tension to look at the size of
the storm and to maybe even momentarily lose sight of our God who is sovereign
(totally in control) over the storm. But God, He does not leave us alone. He is
always present and always protecting. We have no reason to fear, and He will
bring us out on the other side.
“Our soul waits for
the Lord; He is our help and our
shield. For our heart rejoices in Him, because we trust in His holy name. Let
Your lovingkindness, O Lord, be
upon us, according as we have hoped in You.” (Psalm 33:20–22, NASB95)
“God is our refuge
and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though
the earth should change and though the mountains slip into the heart of the
sea; though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains quake at its
swelling pride. Selah. There is a river whose streams make glad the city of
God, the holy dwelling places of the Most High. God is in the midst of her, she
will not be moved; God will help her when morning dawns. The nations made an
uproar, the kingdoms tottered; He raised His voice, the earth melted. The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of
Jacob is our stronghold. Selah.” (Psalm 46:1–7, NASB95)
Psalm 146:1, 5-6, 10 “Praise
the Lord! Praise the Lord, O my soul!” … “How blessed is he whose help is the God of
Jacob, Whose hope is in the Lord
his God, Who made heaven and earth, The sea and all that is in them; Who keeps
faith forever;” … “The Lord will reign forever, Your God, O
Zion, to all generations. Praise the Lord!”
(NASB95)
Today in “Jesus Calling” by Sarah Young (8/22)
Trust Me, and don’t be afraid. I want you to view trials as
exercises designed to develop your trust-muscles. You live in the midst of fierce
spiritual battles, and fear is one of Satan’s favorite weapons. When you start
to feel afraid, affirm your trust in Me. Speak out loud, if circumstances
permit. Resist the devil in My Name, and he will slink away from you. Refresh
yourself in My holy Presence. Speak or sing praises to Me, and My Face will
shine radiantly upon you.
Remember that there is no condemnation for those who belong
to Me. You have been judged NOT GUILTY for all eternity. Trust Me, and don’t be
afraid; for I am your Strength, Song, and Salvation.
Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he
will flee from you. James 4:7
Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in
Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me
free from the law of sin and death. Romans 8:1-2
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