Category Archives: Peace

The Life-Guard

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Even Christians can feel overwhelmed and downcast at times. I felt that way as I sulked in the far corner of the swimming pool. There was only one other person in the pool and he and the lifeguard were having quite a chat.

“I could drown right here and you wouldn’t even notice,” I thought. Yes I can swim, that wasn’t the point. I was just miffed that the lifeguard was so engrossed in conversation that he wasn’t paying attention to his job. But that was just my bad attitude rearing its ugly head; I knew in my heart that the lifeguard was doing his job even if it didn’t seem so.

This scripture came to mind:

Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God,
for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God. ~Psalm 42:11

It occurred to me that my frustrations ran deeper than a seemingly negligent lifeguard. The real issue was that I felt God himself was not paying attention to my needs. But that was just my carnal mind speaking. I KNOW with certainty that the Lord God is watching out for His children at all times regardless of what my tattered emotions say.

Jesus is not just a lifeguard standing by in case we start to sink, He is always there guarding every part of our lives whether we feel His presence or not. And He is never negligent! The Bible says to cast all our cares upon Him for He cares for us. I asked myself again: Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.

I was given a fresh reminder that day; though our Heavenly Father guards our lives, we have a responsibility to guard our thoughts. Rather than letting our downcast emotions rule our thoughts, we must bring them into subjection. How? By praising God!

Count It All Joy

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I thank you for the bitter things
They’ve been a friend to grace,
They’ve driven me from the paths
    of ease
To storm the secret place
                 ~Florence White Willett

You’ve heard it said ‘You can’t have a test-imony without a test.’  Scripture has much to say on suffering and persecution; it is inevitable for the believer.  In fact, Paul  stated that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God (Acts 17:11).

Nevertheless, scripture instructs us In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you (I Thessalonians 5:18).  Let’s be honest, how many of us instinctively thank the Lord when we get knocked off our feet by some unexpected life storm?

There is so much I could say to you, dear reader, about the trials you are enduring right now, but I would much rather let scripture speak to your heart.

But now thus says the LORD that created you… and he that formed you … Fear not: for I have redeemed you, I have called you by your name; you are mine.  When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you: when you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned; neither shall the flame scorch you.  For  I am the LORD your God.    (Isaiah  43:1-3)        

Our God  is the same yesterday, today and forever my friend  –He will never leave you nor forsake you! (Hebrews 13:5).  I don’t know what you are going through, but God does.  May you find blessed assurance, as did Ms. Willett, that in every bitter thing we can taste the sweetness of God’s grace.