“Then they cry
out to the LORD in their trouble, And He brings them out of their distresses.
He calms the storm, So that its waves are still. Then they are glad because
they are quiet; So He guides them to their desired haven. Oh, that men would
give thanks to the LORD for His goodness, And for His wonderful works to the
children of men!” (Psalm 107:28-31 NKJ)
Yesterday, Bobbie
wrote about the weather and how it conditions us to consider what we may expect
during the course of a day. She further developed her thought by challenging us
to consider our fears about the future. Her conclusion? Trust the Shepherd.
wrote about the weather and how it conditions us to consider what we may expect
during the course of a day. She further developed her thought by challenging us
to consider our fears about the future. Her conclusion? Trust the Shepherd.
Her weather
illustration got me thinking about the storms that occur everywhere on the
earth. Never mind what we call them, they are storms. And they are always
dangerous from the human perspective. Yet, I am constantly amazed at the number
of people who, in the direct path of danger, will defy every speck of common
sense and refuse to evacuate to a safe haven.
illustration got me thinking about the storms that occur everywhere on the
earth. Never mind what we call them, they are storms. And they are always
dangerous from the human perspective. Yet, I am constantly amazed at the number
of people who, in the direct path of danger, will defy every speck of common
sense and refuse to evacuate to a safe haven.
I must say that on
occasion, in my youthful and less-than-wise past, I too acted irresponsibly
about such things. When I remember these personal “afflictions,” the
shame is like swallowing vinegar. And if I dwell on it too long, my spirit
sinks until I remember that I have hope in Christ. For you see, it is only
“through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, because his compassions
fail not” (Lamentations 3:22 NKJ).
occasion, in my youthful and less-than-wise past, I too acted irresponsibly
about such things. When I remember these personal “afflictions,” the
shame is like swallowing vinegar. And if I dwell on it too long, my spirit
sinks until I remember that I have hope in Christ. For you see, it is only
“through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, because his compassions
fail not” (Lamentations 3:22 NKJ).
When we consider
this human frailty from God’s perspective, we get the sense that he too may be
shaking his head, amazed at the number of people who refuse to accept his mercy
and compassion. Ever since Enoch, God has warned his creation of the impending
danger of his righteous judgment (Genesis 5 & Jude 14-15). A little over
two thousand years ago, God provided a way to escape from his judgment into his
compassionate mercy and grace. Yet, many people still reject his offer of a
safe haven. It truly boggles the mind!
this human frailty from God’s perspective, we get the sense that he too may be
shaking his head, amazed at the number of people who refuse to accept his mercy
and compassion. Ever since Enoch, God has warned his creation of the impending
danger of his righteous judgment (Genesis 5 & Jude 14-15). A little over
two thousand years ago, God provided a way to escape from his judgment into his
compassionate mercy and grace. Yet, many people still reject his offer of a
safe haven. It truly boggles the mind!
When the weather
scientists and meteorologists give
unimpeachable evidence of impending danger many people listen and run to
safety, but some do not. It seems that some people ignore the clear evidence of
devastating storms from the past. Despite the number of deaths or the
destruction from those past storms, some think “it will never happen to
me.”
scientists and meteorologists give
unimpeachable evidence of impending danger many people listen and run to
safety, but some do not. It seems that some people ignore the clear evidence of
devastating storms from the past. Despite the number of deaths or the
destruction from those past storms, some think “it will never happen to
me.”
Is that what people
think about Noah’s flood and Sodom and Gomorrah? Jesus used these past events
as evidence of the certainty of God’s final judgment. I believe him and have
hidden my soul in the safe haven of his grace. I give him thanks because His haven
will never fail me!
think about Noah’s flood and Sodom and Gomorrah? Jesus used these past events
as evidence of the certainty of God’s final judgment. I believe him and have
hidden my soul in the safe haven of his grace. I give him thanks because His haven
will never fail me!
Dear Father, thank
you for your compassionate grace through Jesus Christ. Empower me with the
faith to endure to the end. I pray this prayer in the name of Jesus. AMEN
you for your compassionate grace through Jesus Christ. Empower me with the
faith to endure to the end. I pray this prayer in the name of Jesus. AMEN
Be strong and
courageous today in God’s safe haven,
courageous today in God’s safe haven,