Weekend Words

From Be Still and Know...

"As for God, his way is perfect" - Psalm 18:30

Today our hearts can be encouraged as we recognize the truth of this verse.  We may wonder about certain things that have happened to us.  Our path may be dark ahead and we cannot see our way.  It may be blocked by obstacles that we cannot see around.  A sorrow may have clouded our sky.  The plan of our life may have been completely changed.  We may not know which way to turn.  We may be wondering what is best for us.

When we commit our way to Him, it becomes His way.  Then we can be sure that whether it is joy or sorrow, sunshine our clouds, health or sickness, plenty or want, His way IS perfect for us.  We cannot doubt that.  He sees the end from the beginning.  He sees the pattern He is working out in our lives and will not make one mistake.  We may not understand it, but He does.  That is enough.  Can we say, not with a sigh, but with a song - "perfect is His way" (Psalm 18:30, Berkeley).

Not only is God's way perfect, but He makes our way perfect.  "It is God that ... MAKETH MY way perfect" (v. 32).  Perfect means "fulfill" or "complete".  He completes or fulfills our life and brings it into conformity with His will.  There is a making process necessary to perfect His way in us.  It is the making process against which we often rebel.

A woman was complaining about the hardness of her life with all its trials and troubles.  She said to someone, "I wish I had never been made."  "My dear," replied her friend, "you are not yet made.  You are only being made and you are quarreling with God's process."

He enables us to surmount our difficulties.  As we yield ourselves to Him, He will complete the process of making our way perfect.

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord.  For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts" (Isaiah 55:8-9).

From Beside the Still Waters...

Trusting God in Trying Times - Read: Psalm 31

"It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man." - Psalm 118:8

We live in a troubled world of increasing unrest and upheaval.  Wickedness, violence, and lawlessness abound.  It is common to hear reports of mass shootings, violent protests, and corruption in high places.  Shaky economic conditions bring the threat of financial collapse.  Our freedoms are steadily eroding.  In addition, catastrophic storms disrupt many lives.  We may face personal trials and difficulties that seem overwhelming.

Many people try to find security in such things as insurance plans, financial investments, military might, or underground shelters.  These measures are uncertain and temporary at best.  Isaiah 31:1 says, "Woe to them that go down to Egypt for help; and stay on horses, and trust in chariots, because they are many; and in horsemen, because they are very strong; but they look not unto the Holy One of Israel, neither seek the Lord."

As children of our heavenly Father, we need not live in the grip of fear and worry.  Our trust is in the Lord, who has all things in His sovereign control and has our future in His hand.  "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because He trusteth in thee" (Isaiah 26:3).  May our faith and confidence rest securely in our faithful, unchangeable God.

Our help and refuge is in the One who has promised, "I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee" (Hebrews 13:5).  We can live each day with renewed strength, restful assurance, and settled peace.  "Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the LORD JEHOVAH is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation" (Isaiah 12:2).  As we trust our divine Shepherd, He will guide us every step of the way and lead us home.

Mark Kropf - Halsey, OR

Even when the way I cannot see, I know He will pilot me.