All around us we see the moral and spiritual destruction of our nation. It seems the enemy has free reign and is making great advances against the primary foundations of our society.
If we are not careful, believers may feel that it is hopeless, that there is nothing God can do. But that wrong assessment leads to fear and we are to be people of faith. Our faith is not a mindless belief, but a confidence based on the realities of God and the promises of His Word.
GOD'S PRESENT HELP
""God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change..."" (Psalm 46:1-2a)
We hear much of the tragedy of absent fathers and all the devastation this absence creates. The Psalmist reminds us that our Father is just the opposite. He is a ""very present help"" in our troubles. He is near and He is here. He is a refuge that protects us and a strength that empowers us. He will never leave or forsake His family. And He is no ordinary father...
GOD'S OVERWHELMING POWER
""The nations made an uproar, the kingdoms tottered; He raised His voice, the earth melted."" (Psalm 46:6)
There is nothing beyond His reach, no enemy He cannot subdue, and no issue beyond His control. The nations of this present darkness may rise up against God and His purposes, but before the final day ends, God will have righted every wrong, judged every transgressor, rewarded every child who has faithfully followed Him, and accomplished every work He desires to do. He is not losing nor is He capable of losing the day.
He may allow the enemy reign for a season to accomplish His judgments or to bring His people to desperation so they will return to Him, but He knows what He is about. He can do anything and He does everything with the perfect balance of grace and truth because that is who He is. We are not left to speculation about the power of our God.
OUR FAITH-FILLED PEACE
""Cease striving and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth."" (Psalm 46:11)
There is an urgent need for us to draw near to God and surrender fully to Him so that we may cooperate with His purposes. A need to cry out for His mercy and movement in our nation to bring a fresh wave of revival in the church and spiritual awakening among the lost. He calls us to cry out. But it is not the cry of those who have no hope. It is not a worried, fretting, wringing-of-the-hands prayer. It must be a prayer of restful faith.
God is on schedule. He will be exalted among the nations and in the earth He has created. His sovereignty rules over all.
As a pastor for the last 55 years, I have had the joy of being encouraged and blessed and prayed for by so many people. It is what carries you in your task of shepherding people. As I look back over five decades of ministry, their love has dramatically enriched my life.
But also, a pastor leads. And when anyone leads, there are almost always some who disagree.
