Sunday, August 28, 2022

Weekend Words

 

From Be Still and Know...

"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." (John 16:33)

Jesus' earthly ministry was coming to a close.  Just before His betrayal, He spent His last evening with his disciples.  He knew they would encounter difficult days ahead, days filled with trouble and trials.  He encouraged them by saying, "I have told you all this so that you will have peace of heart and mind.  Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows, but cheer up, for I have overcome the world" (John 16:33, LB).

Since those words were spoken nearly two thousand years ago, there have been few intervals of peace on earth.  Many conferences have been held to draft plans for world peace, but none have resulted in a state of peace.

Since we have not been promised freedom from tribulation, we need not be surprised when trials overtake us.  The Lord Jesus Christ told us to expect them.  He said, "In the world you have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration" (Amplified).

We need not panic when tribulation comes, for we are promised peace.  This peace is in a person.  Jesus said, "IN ME you may have perfect peace and confidence ... be of good cheer - take courage, be confident, certain, undaunted - for I have overcome the world. - I have deprived it of power to harm, have conquered it [for you]" (Amplified).

"IN ME" ye shall have peace.  The source of this peace is Jesus Christ Himself.  We read in Ephesians 2:14, "He is our peace ..."  We can have His peace at all times of conflict, confusion, and chaos; in the midst of insurmountable problems; in times of sickness; in times when our lives are filled with tension, turmoil, and trouble.  Our peace is in HIM, not our circumstances.

In the midst of our trials we can "BE OF GOOD CHEER."  Why?  Because Jesus said, "I have overcome the world."  He accomplished this by His death and resurrection.  In Him we can be triumphant.

In the world - tribulation!!

In Me - Peace!


From Beside the Still Waters...

Facing Perilous Times - Read Psalm 37: 1-25

"Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me." - Psalm 23:4

Paul wrote in 2 Timothy 3:1 that "in the last days perilous times shall come."  Perilous times are hazardous and dangerous.  David said in verse 1 of today's Bible reading that a common reaction when facing something perilous is to fret.  Then he explained that fretting is something a child of God should not do.

We might respond by saying, "But David wouldn't have understood the extremity of my situation."  So perhaps we should consider what David's lifetime experiences consisted of.  To me they seem very perilous!  Usually our path is not physically perilous, but it certainly has spiritual perils.

Notice in today's Bible reading the great advantage that the godly have as they travel on a perilous path.  Their goal is eternal life whereas the wicked are focused on earthly things.  It is very encouraging to notice the secure stepping stones that God provides for His children during perilous times.

Step 1: "Trust in the Lord."  As we take this step, we also do good.

Step 2: "Delight thyself also in the Lord."  The natural path of mankind is to delight in selfish, carnal activities.  

Step 3: "Commit thy way unto the Lord."  This difficult step of commitment means rolling everything over into the Lord's care.

Step 4: "Rest in the Lord."  This can be the experience of all who are godly.

Consider the path of the ungodly: fear, worry, frustration, hopelessness.  This is in direct contrast to the path of the godly: trusting, delighting, committing, resting.  God has provided clear instructions for a safe journey through perilous times.

- Joseph Kuepfer - Newton, ON

"He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake." - Psalm 23:3


4 comments:

  1. Beutiful and profound truths to ponder on. Thanks again 🙏 LK

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  2. I needed it today, this evening. Thank you so much (and your card arrived. It is such a nice one!)

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    1. I'm pleased the card arrived. I received your lovely card too! xx

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