Glenda McMinn @ Finding His lap & Heartbeat

How are you feeling today?

Are you discouraged? Do you feel like there is no hope? Do you feel like giving up? Or are you encouraged today that Our God is with you?

For many years now I’ve been aware that often there are times in our lives when we don’t feel or see God with us. Right?

How many of us can agree that this need for God to be with us has become more evident in these difficult days that we find ourselves in?

People are literally dying from disease, going hungry through lack of food, and are emotionally unstable because of what society is demanding through this pandemic. Holding onto our HOPE in Christ is the only thing we are able to do right now.

Zephaniah 3:17a ‘The LORD your God is with you!’ NLT – “For the Lord your God is living among you…….”

God is more than the Creator, He is the LORD God Who is in the midst of us; loving us; caring for us; protecting us; defending us; inside of us and Who died so that we might have life and have it in abundance.

God is not only in the midst of us, but He is the almighty God and He is mighty to save His people, not only from our enemies or our fears, but also from the curse of sin and death. This means that we are protected.

All this is powerful and SO true! This is So Important to remember on the days when darkness tries to fight us and sadness tries to overwhelm us.

What was happening during this time when Zephaniah the prophet wrote this?

Destruction was coming because Judah had forsaken the Lord. They had turned their backs on God and were worshipping other Gods. God was angry at this and He was going to punish them for their sin. Zephaniah received the prophecy and was warning the people. He was urging them to repent. And he was giving them a promise that if they did repent, they would have peace. Judah had become indifferent to God and had no sorrow for their sin against Him. Zephaniah warned the people of Judah about this destruction of God that was coming.

So here’s the point. God is not there to condemn us, but He delights to bring us to salvation and He pours out eternal life and life more abundantly with gladness, upon all who trust in His name. Oh yes, the Lord rejoices over all that believe in Him and He takes delight in those who trust His word and abide in His love.

God desires all His children to seek Him; to come to Him; to draw near to Him; to rest in Him and to abide in His truth for He is the God of peace and His is a peace that passes all understanding. He longs to pour His love and peace and joy and hope on all who believe in His Word and trust that He rewards those who diligently seek Him – for He is a God that rejoices over His children with singing – and delights in them with shouts of joy.

Zephaniah was so determined to warn the children of Judah, that they could have ALL this if they repented.

There have been times in my own life that it seemed that God was far away. In these moments it would have been easier for me to give up, get angry or turn away from Him. But in these moments the smallest whisper or gentlest touch from God would come through people, a song, a verse or a memory. God is always faithful to reveal Himself to us.

If you are discouraged, Our wonderful God, and our loving Heavenly Father is with you, right now.

Your All-Mighty God, your Rock of Ages, is with you. He is not afar off, or distant and unaware. He knows, He cares, and He is with you.

I love what I read earlier this week about Jesus. It said: Jesus Christ is the provision for our need; the remedy for our fear; the cure for our problems and the antidote to sin. He is our protector and defender and He is our victorious warrior. Our triumphant Saviour Who is mighty to save.

Let me remind you of these words:

God is able.

 (Jude 24-25) says:

“Now unto him that is ABLE to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy, To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and forever. Amen”

God is able to save you to the end

 (Heb. 7:25).

“Therefore He is also ABLE to save from the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them”

Exodus 14:13

‘ *Don’t be afraid. Just stand still and watch the LORD rescue you today* .’

Sometimes our strength comes in quietness and confidence.

– Rushing around in desperation, often just aggravates things.

– We can stand strong, (still), in our confidence in God.

Do not fear. When you can do nothing, it must be left to Him

Today I pray that you will remember Gods love for you. That when you are at your darkest or saddest, that God will reveal Himself to you. That memories of His provision, love and His protection will keep you trusting Him.

Let’s pray this prayer together:

PRAYER:

Lord, Forgive me for reaching towards the things that do not bring You into my life. I confess that I have forsaken you in my life. Please forgive my impatience and help me to trust Your love for me.

Lord, how blessed I am to know that You are here, with me. I pray that this wonderful reminder will become more real to me than what I am confronted with, each and every day. May it become the rock on which I stand.