Upon some points, we as believers are absolutely sure. We know, for instance, that God is in the bridge of the vessel when it rocks the most. We believe that an invisible hand is always on the world’s tiller, and that wherever providence may move, Jehovah steers it. That reassuring knowledge prepares us for everything. We look over the raging waters and see the spirit of Jesus walking on the waves, and we hear a voice saying, “It is I. Do not be afraid” (Matthew 14:27 ESV). We know too that God is always wise and, knowing this, we are confident that there can be no accidents or mistakes. Nothing can occur that ought not to happen. We can say, “If I lose all I have, it is better that I should lose it than have it, if that is God’s will; the worst calamity is the wisest and kindest thing that could happen to me if God ordains it.” We know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God. Christians do not merely hold this as a theory; we know it as a matter of fact. Everything has worked for good to this point: the poisonous drugs mixed in their proper proportions have effected a cure, the sharp cuts of the scalpel have cleaned out the diseased flesh and facilitated healing. Every event has so far worked out the most divinely blessed results—and so, believing that God rules all, that He governs wisely, and that He brings good out of evil, believers’ hearts are assured. We are enabled to calmly meet each trial as it comes. Believers can, in the spirit of true resignation, pray, “Send me what you want, my God, just as long as it comes from you. You have never sent your children anything bad from your supply.” Say not my soul, “From whence can God relieve my care?” Remember that Omnipotence has servants everywhere. His wisdom is sublime, his heart profoundly kind, God never is before His time, and never is behind. “Say Not My Soul from Whence,” Thomas T. Lynch (19th century) - C.H. Spurgeon Morning and Evening
We live in a fast paced world.
This isn't by the design of our Creator, in my opinion, but that of Satan. Advancements and technology are nice but not all are beneficial. Slight of hand, misdirection, distraction are not just for magicians. They are the tools of Satan.
Jesus often spoke of, and provided the examples of, getting away to be alone with God His Father.
What does this have to do with the verse that opened this? When you remove the distractions and the noise of life you can then focus on just how much God has improved and impacted your life. You aren't going to do that amidst ear buds or television shows or movies or even sporting events. You only can when it's just you and Jesus.
When alone with God you can think about the other truths like there being no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus...such as you.
When alone with God you can think about the extent He went through to show His love for you in that while we were yet sinners He died for you.
When alone with God stress seems to melt away. Look at Mary n Martha as a good example. Mary chose to sit quietly at Jesus's feet. Peace was evident. Not so with Martha.
Daniel collected his thoughts in prayer 3 times a day and was well known for it. People knew where to find him...spending time with Jesus.
When our world wants to push Satan's agenda, being alone with God reveals it.
When men in Churches do things that don't quite make sense, God reveals it .
He reveals through prayer and people. But only when we are walking as we ought to before Him. We are the worst at self condemnation. King David knew his own faults. Knowing your limitations is one thing, obsessing over them is yet another.
Knowing who you are in Christ frees you from so much in terms of self condemnation. Of course you're not going to get life right 100 percent of the time. You have a sin nature. Until you receive your glorified body you always will have struggles as a believer. Paul had struggles. Peter had struggles. John had struggles. All Christians have struggles.
Knowing who you are and what you are in Christ is key to getting through life.
God blesses you in both the good times and the apparent bad times. Perception is everything. What you perceive is real is reality.
Your blessings will be more abundant throughout a life of obedience. God has an infinite storehouse of potential blessings for those who live as His Word says.
It's us who keep our blessings curtailed. Our obstinate behaviour. Our disobedience. Look at what was written about the connection between obedience and blessings in the Old Testament.
Even if our perception is life stinks, God is still there working it for our good as long as we have our eyes on Him.
You hopefully don't go a day without being in your Bible. Hopefully you talk to Jesus throughout your day, not just when you remember before eating. He is not your butler, He is not your genie in the bottle. He is not the keeper of the hardware store that can fill your needs and wants.
Jesus is to be the best friend you ever had. He is to be your Counselor, your Teacher, your go to one when life takes a turn. Your Physician. Your Savior.
He doesn't stand by with a notepad to take your order.
He knows your heart, knows your ways, they are ever present before Him. You have the Creator in your corner. I see people in this world who are struggling and can't articulate it. What they can't put into words because it's admitting weakness to them is they have no one to hope in. As believers we have a solid hope in Christ. Their hope is that things will get better. My hope is that Jesus will always be near me. That my needs will be met. Governments make promises to get votes then don't keep them. Jesus makes promises and keeps them all the time.
Our hope, our blessing, comes from above. We who are in Christ are adopted into the family of God. This world is not our home anymore. Our rights are the rights bestowed on those in our home...which is Heaven. Our worldly rights are subjective to what God allows. He establishes rulers and removes them, not Satan. He permits things to happen to get through to people to save them if they would but repent and turn to Jesus.
Blessings come to both the believer and unbeliever but to be truly blessed requires Salvation in Christ Jesus. Many unbelievers will tout their successes saying they have no need for Jesus. Sure you can likely live without Him, but when you die you had better have Him as your Savior. Your choices now determine your destination later.
God Blesses alright...and yes He does cause all things to work together...for you to really experience that...make sure your priorities are right. That you are living in a right relationship with Jesus. Without that my friend you aren't living you are existing.
Worry is a prayer with no direction, an endless circle of no hope.
Prayer is a worry sent to God to deal with, in whom we do hope.
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