A man should never ask too much of a world that gives very little.”
–Ernest Haycox (Whispering Range)
“Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”
–John 14:27 (NKJV)
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Are you still struggling to get going in this New Year? Troubles loom ahead of you, and you don’t see answers to the world’s or nation’s problems. Hatred seems to abound and there is the unknown, unforeseeable future. There could be disasters, floods, fires, famines, and all sorts of things lurking for the devil will do anything to see you discouraged and downcast. Look to Psalm 32 for hope and assurance. Let’s finish it this week.
6 – Therefore let everyone who is faithful pray to You at a time that You may be found.
When great floodwaters come, they will not reach him.
7 – You are my hiding place; You protect me from trouble. You surround me with joyful shouts of deliverance. Selah
8 – I will instruct you and show you the way to go; with My eye on you, I will give counsel.
9 – Do not be like a horse or mule, without understanding, that must be controlled with bit and bridle or else it will not come near you.
10 – Many pains come to the wicked, but the one who trusts in the Lord will have faithful love surrounding him.
11 – Be glad in the Lord and rejoice, you righteous ones; shout for joy, all you upright in heart. (HCSB)
Listen to the Word of the Lord as He speaks to you. Augustine said that “the beginning of knowledge is to know oneself a sinner.” After that, go to the Lord, repent and place yourself in His hands.
God is the One who guides the steps of a righteous person. Therefore, do not fret, worry, or fail at what you might face this year. The Lord will keep His eye on you and there is nothing coming your way that He doesn’t see.
The horse and mule analogy is good for we are often stubborn and need the bit and bridle to get us along down life’s trail. I like what F.B. Meyer said, “If you are willing to know, he will make you know somehow. If not one way, then another.” God wants you to know His will, not just through the Bible, but also in each step you take. He will find a way to show it to you–you just have to be willing to trust and follow Him.
Remember, the pure in heart will see God. Seek Him, seek His righteousness and as you do He will cover you with His love and purity. Doesn’t common sense just seem to cry out, “the Lord is a good hiding place”?
“Hide me, O my Savior, hide,
Till the storm of life is past;
Safe into the haven guide;
O receive my soul at last!”
–Charles Wesley