Wednesday, August 13, 2014

Prospects and Promises


   The news challenges our confidence about the future concerning our families, our friends, our communities, our nation, and ourselves.  Fear sells, and the fear mongers possess modern tools to keep images and ideas of impending danger ever before us, 24/7.

   The Good News, conversely, comforts and encourages our confidence in the God who awaits us at every destination and contingency to come.  "God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind" (II Timothy 1:7).

   Who knows what awaits us in the future, whether personally or corporately?  Ah yes, there is Someone who knows!  "His understanding is infinite" (Psalm 147:5).  Moreover, the God who perfectly sees the future as clearly as the present promises to be with His trusting children come what may, and to be everything -and more -  we will need Him to be.  "I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.  My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth" (Psalm 121:1-2).  

   Facing today and tomorrow apart from such Truth makes for an uncertain heart at best, and a fearful one at worst.  No need exists for such a dark life of trepidation.  Every troubling prospect offers the opportunity to embrace God's triumphant promises in Christ.  Does He know what is coming of both blessedness and challenge?  Yes.  Will He be with us in all, filling our blessings with glory, and our challenges with grace? Yes.  Thus, no need exists for dread because the Good News transcends any and all prospects of trouble.  As David declared, "What time I am afraid, I will trust in Thee" (Psalm 56:3).  Troubling prospects?  Triumphant promises!  Our Heavenly Father offers hope and help in all things, calling us to overcome fear and the fear mongers in the assurance of His power, love, and sound mind.

I don't know what tomorrow holds,
but I know Who holds tomorrow
in the palm of His hand, His nail-pierced hand,
Yes, I know Who holds tomorrow.

And this is peace, this is peace.

I don't know how the road will bend,
but I know I will not go without my Friend.
For deep in my spirit, His Spirit lives,
and grace for each journey I've learned that He gives.

And this is peace, this is peace.

I know this, that wherever I go,
I'll find Him there for yes it's true, tomorrow He holds.
And though I can't tell the path that lies ahead of me,
I gaze into the darkness and the Way I plainly see.

And this is peace, this is peace.

"He shall not be afraid of evil tidings: his heart is fixed, trusting in the LORD. His heart is established, he shall not be afraid."
(Psalm 112:7-8)

Weekly Memory Verse
    Let every thing that hath breath praise the LORD. Praise ye the LORD.
(Psalm 150:6)

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