Comfort in the Storm
Let us not sugar coat the financial, spiritual, cultural and political state of the nation. This nation as the saying goes, is "in a world of hurt." If we are not careful, we could find ourselves, instead of uniting as "one nation under God," rendered asunder. Some may think that there is already a sundering, and they may be right. I already see this happening with e-mails from one mailing list or another that I got on, through no choice of my own. The lack of civility, the name calling... it is unbelievable. If the name callers put as much energy into fixing the economy, as they are doing in spewing vitriol, they could probably come up with a new form of energy...cars run on venom!
Speaking of venom, I saw a scene with a mature lady holding up a cross made of cardboard, in the midst of folks protesting the passage of Proposition 8 in California. She was manhandled, the cross ripped from her hand, and the cross stomped on. As a former boss once told me, I always try to see the glass as being half full. So I am seeing that there is a positive here. At least the lady herself was not stomped upon. The man doing the stomping on the cross appeared to be "well-endowed by The Creator" with body mass to spare. One stomp and that lady would have been in Heaven telling Jesus how she got creamed by, shall we say, an impressively large man. Jesus, I am guessing, would have told her: "Well done, my good and faithful servant."
So with all of this ill will and ill winds blowing (think of California, where some areas are in flames, with over 500 homeless, so far), where do we turn for comfort? Don't even think of picking up that gin bottle or vial of Meth. Even sleeping for twenty four hours, will not take away the reality of all of the hurts. From what I have heard about the Meth thing, it exacts a steep price, relative to its rather short-lived palliative feature. Meth users use and lose.... their teeth. Everything in this life comes with a price tag.
If comfort is not to be found in a bottle of liquid or pills, where else can we look? Glad that you asked. Turn to the following words of inspiration.
John 16:33
33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
I know if you are personally hurting, you may question this verse. But, and this is coming from the "queen of tribulation," our God is stronger than any "tribulation." I have first hand knowledge. I describe God as the Being on a raft, who rows that raft out to the ocean where I am about to go under. He doesn't just reach out and grab me. He steps on the water, lifts me and puts me into the raft. I am safe and saved.
I know if you are personally hurting, you may question this verse. But, and this is coming from the "queen of tribulation," our God is stronger than any "tribulation." I have first hand knowledge. I describe God as the Being on a raft, who rows that raft out to the ocean where I am about to go under. He doesn't just reach out and grab me. He steps on the water, lifts me and puts me into the raft. I am safe and saved.
Psalm 55:22
22 Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.
Those tribulations that were mentioned above, they will come. The suffering will come. The weeping and gnashing of teeth will come. But, the beauty of having God as "Comforter-in-Chief, is that He finds a way to send surrogates to hold your hand and see you through. Again, I speak from experience. I am almost sanguine in the face of the unfolding economic disaster, maybe it is because I have nothing to lose, except my soul and I can truthfully say or sing: "It Is Well With My Soul."
Those tribulations that were mentioned above, they will come. The suffering will come. The weeping and gnashing of teeth will come. But, the beauty of having God as "Comforter-in-Chief, is that He finds a way to send surrogates to hold your hand and see you through. Again, I speak from experience. I am almost sanguine in the face of the unfolding economic disaster, maybe it is because I have nothing to lose, except my soul and I can truthfully say or sing: "It Is Well With My Soul."
Psalm 46:1-3
1 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
2 Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;
3 Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah.
2 Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;
3 Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah.
Isaiah 51:12-13
12 I, even I, am he that comforteth you: who art thou, that thou shouldest be afraid of a man that shall die, and of the son of man which shall be made as grass;
13 And forgettest the LORD thy maker, that hath stretched forth the heavens, and laid the foundations of the earth; and hast feared continually every day because of the fury of the oppressor, as if he were ready to destroy? and where is the fury of the oppressor?
"Oppressors Incorporated," God has our backs, and your power over us, is neither eternal nor unlimited. May God bless you, as you foolishly twist His will.
13 And forgettest the LORD thy maker, that hath stretched forth the heavens, and laid the foundations of the earth; and hast feared continually every day because of the fury of the oppressor, as if he were ready to destroy? and where is the fury of the oppressor?
"Oppressors Incorporated," God has our backs, and your power over us, is neither eternal nor unlimited. May God bless you, as you foolishly twist His will.
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