Mystery?

We see a lot of trouble, destruction, pain, and evil in the world and it feels like it just keeps coming and we can’t tell the truth from a lie. Are we or maybe someone we know struggling with, “God where are You?” As for me I know God is right here with us but I am still asking, “God why are You allowing these things to happen?” God allowed terrible kings to rule in the past yet God reminded them that it was He who gave them that rule and everything was His and could be taken in an instant. In the book of Judges we see that God raised up good leaders for His people when they cried out to Him, those who lead the people to keep His commandments and His ways but when that leader died the people again did evil in the sight of God and they fell into bondage and despair. Are we listening? Can we hold on to God’s word and walk in it even in the face of all that is going on around us? Psalm 73 and Psalm 37 speaks to the frustration of seeing oppression and evil. If we can’t hold on how do we help others? One day at a time. Some days will be better than others but God is faithful. Joseph was faithful to God’s ways and was respected by his captures and in the end was able to save his family. Moses was faithful and followed God out of Egypt’s bondage with God’s chosen people. Joshua was faithful and brought the them into the land God promised even to Abraham. As God’s people we mess up and things can get sideways. If we trust in God sideways doesn’t have to mean going over the cliff.

Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; IN ALL OF YOUR WAYS ACKNOWLEDGE HIM AND HE SHALL DIRECT YOUR PATHS.

Matthew 6:19-20 “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.”

Matthew 25: 34-36 Then the King will say to those on His right hand; ‘Come you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: for I was hungry and you gave me food; I was thirsty and you gave me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; I was in prison and you visited Me.’

James 2:17 Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.

We are all called to love our neighbors and our enemies; to treat them with kindness and respect. This is God’s way. When we see someone in need or struggling do we lend a hand? Do we watch out for our friends, neighbors and family? It isn’t about those far away but we start with our own community and family.

Proverbs 27:10 Do not forsake your own friend or you father’s friend, nor go to your brother’s house in the day of calamity; better is a neighbor near by than a brother far away.

God is love. I have seen one small gesture make a huge difference. God’s word is proven and has stood the test of time! We can hold on by holding to God’s word, God’s promises.