God is Good

GOD IS GOOD

      During these crazy days in which we are living, what do you find yourself thinking about?  Are your thoughts fearful?  Are you sad or depressed?  Is this how God wants us to go through our days?
      God has given us some great pep talks in His written word the Bible.  He knows that there will be days like this (along with weeks and months) and He wants His children to live in Victory - in spite of the circumstances.  Defeat is a word and condition the enemy throws at us constantly; Victory is God's chosen way for us.  With that in mind, here are words of the Almighty God our Father that He gives to us to cheer our hearts and turn our down days into looking up and shouting "hallelujah!" days:

       "Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy - meditate [or think] on these things...and the God of peace will be with you" Philippians 4:8-9.

       "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which passes all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus" Philippians 4:6-7.

       "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind" 2 Timothy 1:7.

       "But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us" 2 Corinthians 4:7.

        "I will sing, yes, I will sing praises to the Lord" Psalm 27:6.

     I think we've all had our down moments during these past few months, but looking into the heart of Jesus will turn sad into glad and gives us hope.  This morning as I read in my devotional Jesus Calling by Sarah Young, she wrote as if Jesus is speaking to us, saying, "Reject negative or sinful thoughts as soon as you become aware of them...confess them and leave them with Me.  Go on your way lightheartedly.  This method of controlling your thoughts will keep your mind in My Presence and your feet on the path of Peace." 
     Then, on tomorrow's page (yes, I peeked ahead), it says, "When you seek My Face, put aside thoughts of everything else.  I am above all, as well as in all; your communion with Me transcends both time and circumstances.  Be prepared to be blessed bountifully by My Presence, for I am a God of unlimited abundance."

     What a joy and delight to be a child of such a Father, who loves us so much and is capable of giving us peace that passes understanding and joy in the midst of pandemics and riots.  We are so blessed!

      The picture I included above shows me stopping to smell the roses.  Such moments are, to me, a picture of stopping to take in the fragrance of our Lord who offers us beauty for ashes and hearts of peace and joy in all these things.  God is indeed so very good!