[404 words]
The days seem filled with trouble. Job said, “Man who is born of a woman is few of days and full of trouble” (Job 14:1). We have seen COVID-19 take the lives and good health away from loved ones and friends. Many homes and much property were destroyed by wildfires. We have seen cities across our nation ravaged by violence. We have even witnessed the hallowed halls of our nations capital building attacked by rioters. These things have not been seen in our country in our lifetimes.
Many people are saying that our world is coming to and end and the Day of Judgment is soon to come. I don’t know if that is true because the Bible says, “But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only” (Matthew 24:36). Certainly, we all should be using these dreary and unsettling days to warn men of the day when the Lord will judge the world in righteousness (Acts 17:31).
However, don’t let your heart be troubled for, “he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them” (Hebrews 7:25). God knows how to rescue the godly from trials (2 Peter 2:9). Jesus still loves us and is providing His grace to all who will come to Him. It is time for us all to lean fully upon our faith in the Lord, that in every hardship there is a blessing. “Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him” (James 1:12).
Let us all lift our heads, hearts, and voices in that old hymn by J.P. Webster,
“To our bountiful Father above,
We will offer our tribute of praise
For the glorious gift of His love
And the blessings that hallow our days.”
And let us pray as the Psalmist did,
“Return, O Lord! How long? Have pity on your servants! Satisfy us in the morning with your steadfast love, that we may rejoice and be glad all our days. Make us glad for as many days as you have afflicted us, and for as many years as we have seen evil” (Psalm 90:13-15).
Joe Chase
North Loop Church of Christ
Gladewater, TX