Have you not heard?
“Have you not known? Have you not heard? Has it not been told to you from the beginning? Have you not understood from the foundations of the earth, it is He who sits above the circle of the earth and its inhabitants are like grasshoppers, (He) who stretches out the heavens like a curtain, and spreads them out like a tent to dwell in.” Isaiah 40:21 (NKJV)
Life has been pretty crazy lately, right? When things go haywire in my life and in the world around me, I look up – to the stars that declare God’s handiwork, to the mountains that surround me, and out at the foaming sea. I pause to consider how big my God is and how small everything else is in comparison.
When I stand at the edge of the vast ocean, I hear in my spirit the Psalmist’s words; “When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and stars, which you have ordained, (I ask) What is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you visit him?”
I Remember
When my head is bowed down because I see human beings made in the likeness of God hating other human beings, hurling insults in God’s name—I remember that God so loved the world that He sent His son, to bear the sins of the world (John 3:16.) The sins of those throwing rocks at one another—your sin and my sin. I remember that the same majestic God that flung the stars into space and commands the tides commits himself to carry our burdens and gifts us Holy Spirit.
God is Trustworthy
Did you know there is a blessing tied to trusting God?
“But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in Him (Jeremiah 17:7).
When I trust in God, I am blessed with a lighter load of care, peace that makes no sense considering my circumstances, and freedom from anxiety.
A God Who Hears Our Cry
Our God is not like other gods with ears of stone. He hears our cry. “In my distress, I called upon the Lord and cried to my God for help; He heard my voice out of His temple, and my cry for help before Him came into His ears.” He defends us, goes before us to make our path straight (without rocks) and hears ‘the cry of the humble.’ Psalm 18:6 (NKJV)
“Even before there is a word on my tongue, behold, oh Lord, you know it all. You have enclosed me behind and before, and placed your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is too high above me, I can not reach (comprehend) it.” Psalm 139:4-6
When life is overwhelming, the name of the Lord is our strong tower. A place where we who are called by His name can run to and be safe (Proverbs 18:10).
On the days when I would rather pull the covers over my head and stay in bed, Psalm 32:7 reminds me I can face the day and everything it holds with God’s help and by His grace.
Holy Spirit: Our Helper
I cannot understand or make sense of all that is happening around me. I cannot judge fairly the heart of my neighbor. These things are best left to a God who is a righteous judge. If I lean on my own understanding, I use my limited perspective and judge others according to my personal preferences (Proverbs 3:5-6). God has not given me authority over kingdoms or nations. But He has given me my circle of influence, my lane to run in. So, I focus on that, and ask God for the wisdom I need for my life (James 1:5-6.) And I pray, as God instructs us to: for the lost, for the leaders of our nation, for the peace of the city I am living in (Jeremiah 29:7-11.)
For God so loved the world…
Stormy Seas
Being a Christian does not mean we will not face stormy seas, but we have His promise He will never leave us. Through generations, God has shown Himself to be someone we can depend on (1 Corinthians 1:9.)
I can testify to His faithfulness through the years. He has led me to pleasant places, green (restful) pastures, as well as kept me safe in tumultuous seas.
While serving on the mission ship, La Gracia, heading south along the Atlantic coast toward Haiti, we sailed into the path of a hurricane and were taking green water over our bow. Green water indicates deep water, large waves. As one crew member after another took to their bunks, seasick and unable to stand, I got to steer the ship along with a skeleton crew. The thrill of it all, but the peace! God’s peace flooded my soul—peace that defied logic as I held onto the wheel and kept our course steady, waves crashing and my feet swinging out from under me.
The storm passed, the waters calmed, and once again the sun sparkled on the sea. As La Gracia’s crew emerged, I fell into my bunk knowing full well I would encounter other life storms. But those dark hours solidified my trust in the God that has promised to never leave us. My heart declared: “Oh Lord, our Lord, How excellent is your name in all the earth.” Psalm 8:9.
Have you not heard?
When trying times come and wave after wave assaults your faith—look up.
“Have you not been paying attention? Have you not been listening? Haven’t you heard these stories all your life? Don’t you understand the foundation of all things? God sits high above this round ball of earth. The people look like mere ants. He stretches out the skies like a canvas, yes, like a tent canvas to live under.” Isaiah 40:21-24 (MSG)
Closer Than a Brother
I love the way, Holy Spirit brings to mind the exact scripture we need at just the right time. Grateful for the way He reminds us we are not alone, and confirms we are His child (Romans 8:16). He teaches us when we lack wisdom and emboldens us when we need God’s power (Acts 1:8.) When my family forgets my birthday, Holy Spirit reminds me that Jesus is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother. He takes delight in me and loves me with an everlasting love (Jeremiah 31:3).
And I am especially grateful for the guidance God gives us on the proper way to conduct ourselves in today’s cultural conversations.
“And regardless of what else you put on, wear love. It’s your basic, all-purpose garment. Never be without it. Let the peace of Christ keep you in tune with each other, in step with each other. None of this going off and doing your own thing. And cultivate thankfulness. Let the Word of Christ—the message—have the run of the house. Give it plenty of room in your lives. Instruct and direct one another using good common sense. And sing, sing your hearts out to God! Let every detail in your lives—words, actions, whatever—be done in the name of the Master, Jesus, thanking God the Father every step of the way.” Colossians 3:14-16 (MSG)
God Help Us
Friends, we know what to do. God help us to walk it out.
*Has Holy Spirit recently brought a particular scripture to mind that has been a help to you? If He has, please share your story with us.
“When trying times come and wave after wave assaults your faith—look up.” Yes!
Anen!!! So True!
The TRUTH of God’s Word is our anchor through these unsteady waters.
Thank you for the reminder to “let the Word of Christ – the message – have run of the house”
Amen and Amen !!
Always a refreshing read.
Thanks Diana
Love the Hurricane story! How did I miss that you were on one of the Mercy ships?