July 11 “Lord, Where are You?” Job 23:3
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Oh that I knew where I might find him! that I might come even to his seat!” (Job 23:3)
Everyone that I talk to are experiencing some level of frustration and anxiety related to the issues that have consumed us over the past 4 months. Pick up any newspaper or listen to any television network or follow “Social Media,” and the news is “NOT GOOD!” Social unrest, political dis-information, hatred; fear, the struggle for power; are just a few of the very real and present dangers that are evident in every area and strata of our society. You know that it is intense when our granddaughter hears that I am going to Walmart and she asked, “Is it safe, Papa?” Confidently, I shared that it is ok because God is in control. Yesterday, I was asked by an older man, “Where is God in all of this?” Folks, let me assure you and reassure you that God is still in control and that, as “Blood Bought, Born Again” believers; we are walking under His protective GRACE! Simply put: GOD IS IN CONTROL OF EVERYTHING!!! Remember, in this world where the Bible is no longer the guidebook for behavior and the very thought of rules and regulations that would restrict and control behaviors, truly expresses the “EVIL” that has dominated this world’s actions! So, we need to recognize the works of Satan and we need to look to God for comfort and for relief. Can we change the “EVIL” that exist? Individually: NO? So, what can we do? We can (AND MUST) continue to grow in our “Fellowship” with our Lord and to claim His provision and protection and to “COUNT OUR BLESSINGS” evert day! Are you anxious? Are you fearful? Look up to God, He is still in control! Every morning, I repeat the words of one of my favorite songs, “Count Your Blessings!” “When upon life’s billows you are tempest tossed, when you are discouraged, thinking all is lost, Count your blessings, name them one by one, and it will surprise you what the Lord hath done. So, amid the conflict, whether great or small, do not be discouraged, GOD is over all; Count your blessings, angels will attend, help and comfort give you to your journey’s end.” So, where you can’t see the Lord out front, and you have the thought of discouragement, it is always good to look behind you and see HIM is all the blessings you have received and to be assured that HE will continue to bless you as you walk in obedience and fellowship with him!! Job was tested, Job was challenged, Job was told, by his wife, to “curse God and to die,” and Job said to her, “Thou speakest as one of the foolish women speaketh. What? Shall we receive good at the hand of God and shall we not receive evil? In all this did not Job sin with his lips.” (Job 2:9-10) Friends, Job came through his test and his struggles with flying colors and God rewarded him greatly. Please remember this fact; many of us are living an “Aspirin” religion. Life has become a big headache and we are praying that the Lord will get rid of the challenges. Keep in mind, as true Christian believers, we are to serve God, in spite of the burdens and troubles and difficulties of this world, and we are to claim His promises and let HIM bear the burdens! So, the question has been asked, “Lord, Where are you?” Friends, He is exactly where He has always been; in our hearts and in our lives and circumstances and struggles will never, ever change that fact! Shut out the negative of this world and dig deeper into God’s word and cultivate the attitude of victory assured by God’s Grace and love! Believer, remember that God has promised to sustain us as we walk in HIM! Regardless of the circumstances, regardless of the “Popular Thought,” we are to remain obedient to God’s call and embrace the fact that we are “JUST PASSING THROUGH!” TO GOD BE THE GLORY! What God does with you, depends upon what you do! It Always has; It Always will!! Be sure, be productive and continue to share the Love of God with others! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…Remember, THE BEST IS YET TO BE!