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There is a name I call in times of trouble
There is a song that comforts in the night
There is a voice that calms the storm that rages
If our faith in God is not 100%, we can convince ourselves that we can get by on our own. Unfortunately we all need God all the time – during goods days as well as challenging days, so today I simply want to remind you trust Jesus, because He is the answer to all we need.
The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. (Psalm 9:9)
One of my favourite songs, which, just like yesterday’s blog post, is also about grace – Here’s Chris Tomlin with Amazing Grace:
Amazing grace
How sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me
I once was lost, but now I’m found
Was blind, but now I see
‘Twas grace that taught my heart to fear
And grace my fears relieved
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed
My chains are gone
I’ve been set free
My God, my Saviour has ransomed me
And like a flood His mercy reigns
Unending love, amazing grace
The Lord has promised good to me
His word my hope secures
He will my shield and portion be
As long as life endures
My chains are gone
I’ve been set free
My God, my Saviour has ransomed me
And like a flood His mercy reigns
Unending love, amazing grace
The earth shall soon dissolve like snow
The sun forbear to shine
But God, Who called me here below,
Will be forever mine.
Will be forever mine.
You are forever mine.
So what is “grace”?
The popular definition for grace is “unmerited favour”. However, this definition is insufficient to describe the just how much value and worth the word actually conveys, but it makes grace indistinguishable from mercy.
If we consider how we use the word grave is normal everyday language, we can get a better idea of what grace means.
These definitions reflect the definition of God’s grace, because he is provides everything we could ever need, even if we do not deserve it.
God’s grace is amazing!
When someone asks you that question, do you answer honestly?
I guess it maybe depends on the situation and your circumstances. i.e. If you’re in a shop buying a special birthday present for your partner you maybe wouldn’t want to tell them which shop you’re in as it would give away your surprise gift.
What if I asked you where you are in your Christian experience today? Would you answer that question honestly?
Again, I guess it depends on who’s asking the question and how well you know them and also where you are in your relationship with God. After all it’s unlikely you’ll bear any doubts to a complete stranger but conversely, you’re more likely to open up to a close friend you knows you and your Christian journey.
So wherever you are in your Christian journey today, keep trusting Him and keep Him at the centre of your life.
Some well known words from 1 John 4:16-18 (NIV):
And so we know and rely on the love God has for us.
God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them. This is how love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment: In this world we are like Jesus. There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.
We are all human, so we have a tendency to think that when we’re going through difficult times, God is far away and has forgotten about us. However God has promised He will never leave us or forsake us, so even if we feel He isn’t there, He is! God will not let us face the storms of life alone if we love Him and serve Him.
Remember, God will be with you every step of the way to protect, shield and guide you through the stresses and strains of life, so try not to fear what lies ahead and trust God.
For this new year, are you looking to make a new start? Make today a turning point in your life by reaching out to God, because he’s reaching out to you.
No matter what happened yesterday, no matter how bad last year was, no matter how bad your whole life may have been, today is a turning point. You’re a child of God and He loves you! ~ Joyce Meyer
I’m sure we’ve all faced times in our lives when we face difficult choices. We can be faced by multiple choices all of which can seem appealing in some way, so how do we decide which path to follow in our life?
Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV)
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.
The answer is clearly given in the above scripture, trust God, and He will direct you, and show you the path you should choose.
Looking for a solution to problems, but finding none?
Looking for a way to resolve conflicts in your life, but finding no way?
Feeling as if your life has no direction, but not knowing which way to turn?
Feeling as if there’s no way to turn your life around, because there seems no way forward?
Don’t despair, because there is someone who can help you find your way, God!
Come to Jesus, and live.
Fall on Jesus, and live.
If your sky is dark and pours with rain, cry to Jesus, and live.
He does not care about your political views. He does not care which political party you follow or support, if indeed you support any of them!
He does not care about building consensus or opening dialogue in a society where many views/opinions exist about politics and religion.
Instead, Jesus loves and welcomes everyone who seeks Him, because He is the epitome of love.
There are no sides in God’s kingdom, it is simply a place full of love, understanding, equality and eternal life. So we cannot claim Jesus is on our side in any political debates, however if we align our views with His, then we can claim to be on His side.
Do you claim to be on His side in all areas of your life?
