Tag: Scripture

It’s a challenge these days to lift our eyes and thoughts above the sorrows that plague our world. The recent flooding in Nepal has us all sighing and praying. 

At times like these (everyday times!) we can and must turn to the scriptures. There are so many encouraging passages. Here’s some excerpts from Psalm 89 (NLT):

“I will sing of the LORD’S unfailing love forever! Young and old will hear of your faithfulness … O LORD God of Heaven’s Armies! Where is there anyone as mighty as you, O LORD? … The heavens are yours, and the earth is yours … you created it all … You created north and south … Powerful is your arm! Strong is your hand! … Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne. Unfailing love and truth walk before you … our protection comes from the LORD … Praise the LORD forever! Amen and amen!”

There are several “teaching points” in these words but the comfort comes from the knowledge that “the heavens are yours, and the earth is yours”. Our Creator has not orphaned us. Indeed, as the old hymn puts it, “He’s got the whole world in his hands!” Yes, our world is in crisis, but we’re not alone. In God we trust.

During a time of war it’s not unusual for us to be overly pessimistic or optimistic. Sometimes we’re simply negatively or positively trite, as in “all is lost” or “it’ll all work out for the best”. A third alternative is to quote the Bible. For instance:

“He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress; my God, in Him I will trust.’ Surely He shall deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the perilous pestilence. He shall cover you with his feathers, and under His wings you shall find refuge; His truth shall be your shield and buckler. You shall not be afraid of the terror by night, nor of the arrow that flies by day, nor of the pestilence that walks in darkness, nor of the destruction that lays waste at noonday… For He shall give His angels charge over you, to keep you in all your ways. In their hands they shall bear you up, lest you dash your foot against a stone” (Psalm 91: 1-6; 11-12).

These are proven words quoted and lived by generations over the millennia. It is the word of the Lord and it can be trusted. Indeed, as the old hymn puts it, “In thee O Lord do I put my trust.”

Or, as Peter says, “casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you” (1Peter 5:7).

The Lord is sovereign and we are in His hands. This is true whether we are at peace or at war. Keep on trusting.