When circumstances are precarious, when times are turbulent, we can look to God.
God is our strength. He makes us as surefooted as a deer, able to tread upon the heights.
The Middle East powder keg has exploded once more between Hamas, which controls Gaza, and Israel.
The global economy has been trying to shrug off the effects of the sovereign debt crisis in Europe which has hit hard countries like Greece and Spain. Even mighty Germany isn’t spared; it is feeling the chill winds of recession blowing across the continent.
Some African nations are facing disease, famine, political and economic turmoil besides internal conflict between various clans and warlords, and between insurgents and government forces.
Meanwhile, employees no longer can rely on a single company for lifetime job security. Rapidly changing business environment, downsizing, mergers and acquisitions, technology and innovation often mean that employees today will have to constantly upgrade themselves – learn new skills and unlearn as well – to stay relevant and marketable. The stability of a cushy job is passé; they may have to move around to find jobs in the same – or even another – sector.
The stability of the family unit is being threatened as escalating cost of living often drives families to seek double income. Couples who work hard to put food on the table and provide for their children’s needs not only face workplace stress but may be separated from their spouses and children – relocation may be needed in order to earn more – adding pressure to the home front.
Amid this bleak scenario, what strength and comfort does the Bible offer?
He is your constant source of stability;
he abundantly provides safety and great wisdom;
he gives all this to those who fear him.
He will be the sure foundation for your times,
a rich store of salvation and wisdom and knowledge;
the fear of the Lord is the key to this treasure.
From these different renditions of Isaiah 33:6, we note the God is our stability in these tumultuous times. And the key to unlock this stability is a healthy fear of the Lord.
This reminds me of the story of the wise and foolish builders in Matthew 7:24-27:
Anyone who hears and obeys these teachings of mine is like a wise person who built a house on solid rock. Rain poured down, rivers flooded, and winds beat against that house. But it did not fall, because it was built on solid rock.
Anyone who hears my teachings and doesn’t obey them is like a foolish person who built a house on sand.The rain poured down, the rivers flooded, and the winds blew and beat against that house. Finally, it fell with a crash.
God is our strength. He makes us as surefooted as a deer, able to tread upon the heights (Habakkuk 3:19).
When circumstances are precarious, when times are turbulent, we can look to God.
When we learn to fear God, He provides us stability in times of uncertainty. We need not fear when hard times descend upon us.
They will have no fear of bad news;
their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the Lord.
(Psalm 112:7)
But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord,
whose confidence is in him. They will be like a tree planted by the water
that sends out its roots by the stream.
It does not fear when heat comes;
its leaves are always green.
It has no worries in a year of drought
and never fails to bear fruit
(Jeremiah 17:7-8)
HOW SHALL WE LIVE IN THESE TURBULENT TIMES?
The earth is like a spaceship hurtling into outer space at breakneck speed towards the day when Christ returns.
Jesus, Lover of my soul,
Jesus, I will never let you go
You’ve taken me from the miry clay
You've set my feet upon the Rock, and now I know
I love you, I need you,
Though my world may fall, I’ll never let you go
My Saviour, my closest friend,
I will worship you until the very end.
———————————————————————
Be Still, God is in Control
God is our refuge and strength,
an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way
and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,
though its waters roar and foam
and the mountains quake with their surging.
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth (Psalm 46:1-3, 10)
Be still, and know that I am God
Dear Viewers in Christ, if you do find this article edifying to you, please do not hesitate to use the social media plugs (Share, Email to this article) to bless your friends. The Lord will surely bless you even as you bless others. May the Lord’s peace and love be with you. Amen.
Disclaimer: The views or opinions expressed by the columnists are solely their own and do not necessarily represent the views or opinions of Christianity Malaysia.com
It does not fear when heat comes;its leaves are always green.
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