I've been mourning over America this week. Since the signing of the new "health care bill", which will possibly bankrupt us as a Nation and undoubtedly lead us further down the road towards socialism, fear and despair have so gripped my heart. Grief, too, for a nation that was founded under God...for the people...and by the people. We are so far from these ideologies that we scarcely look like the same country. Irresponsible Government bail-outs and sky-rocketing job losses further plague our economy. Furthermore, our relationship with our one true Middle Eastern ally and, most importantly, the Apple of God's eye...Israel...is on the verge of collapse. Our circumstances as a Nation do indeed look bleak.
Since grief is a natural process that is needed to heal aching wounds, I will go there awhile. Ultimately, though, I kneel before my Heavenly Father and ask Him what His truth's are. I talk to Him about my fears, my sadness, my anger, my disappointments. I love His direct and no nonsense response: "Do you trust ME?"
I recently read a friend's blog that pointed out that perhaps Americans have leaned too much on our Nation, on man, on modern medicine, on Government, to be our comforters, security and hope. In other words, we have worshiped the created, not the Creator. WOW! That is powerful stuff! Our greatest sin has been to take our eyes off of the only One who can provide for ALL of our needs! We have become complacent Christians enjoying our freedoms, our full bellies, our lavish lifestyles (compared to 90% of the world) and have forgotten our true callings. He has called us (the body of Christ) to do so much more than what He even did when He walked this earth! That is empowering! He has given us authority (through the Holy Spirit) over sickness, over fear, over grief, disappointment, anger, unforgiveness, etc... We don't have to claim it because it's not ours to claim! How freeing that is to me!
So my answer to his question is: "Yes! I trust you! I have no worries, no fear, no grief. I lay that at your feet, Lord. You, alone, are my refuge, my shelter, my strength. Amen."
"I desire to dwell in the shelter of You, the Most High. I will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of You, Lord, 'You are my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.' " Psm 91: 1-2
"Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze." Isa 43:1-2
"Praise be to You, Lord, for You showed Your wonderful love to me when I was in a besieged city." Psm 31:21
"One thing I ask of You, Lord, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon Your beauty and to seek You in Your temple. For in the day of trouble You will keep me safe in Your dwelling; You will hide me in the shelter of Your tabernacle and set me high upon a rock." Psm 27: 4-5
"Lord of heaven and earth, help me to be still and know you are God; You will be exalted among the nations. You will be exalted in the earth. You, Lord Almighty, are with me; the God of Jacob is my fortress." Psm 46:10-11
"My Father, please help me always to know You are near and not to be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present my requests to You. If I do, Your peace, which transcends all understanding, will guard my heart and mind in Christ Jesus." Phil. 4:5-7
Blessed be His Name!
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