The night also belongs to God

(Psa 74:16 KJV)  The day is thine, the night also is thine: thou hast prepared the light and the sun.

As Christians, we are not exempt from trouble, set backs, and disappointments. Sometimes the night is long and dark. Sometimes we cannot see God, cannot make sense of what is happening in life.  You may not know where God is, but God knows where you are at.  God is God in the good times; He is God in the bad.  God is the God of the day, but God is also God of the night. The new day will dawn, but until that time, remember the night belongs to the Lord also.  Trust Him.

God is our ally

(Exo 23:22 KJV)  But if thou shalt indeed obey his voice, and do all that I speak; then I will be an enemy unto thine enemies, and an adversary unto thine adversaries.

We are in a battle.  At its core, this is a spiritual battle, waged in the hearts and minds of men and women.  But it is also being waged in our society.  God has promised to be an enemy to those who are our enemy, to oppose those who oppose us.  In this battle, we have an ally, a powerful ally.  Who or what can withstand God?   Who or what can oppose God?  God has promised to fight for those who truly love and obey Him, those who have aligned themselves fully with Him. No matter what advantage that which opposes us has, no matter how powerful, it is no match for God.  No matter the battle, internal or external, God is our ally.  Trust Him.  Continue to fight the fight of faith depending on Him.

Never alone

Psa 34:7The angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them.   

God’s angels are pictured as camping around God’s children to protect and help them. This is just another part of God’s plan and provision for us.  This truth should strengthen our trust and confidence in God.  We are never alone, God is always with us and God has angels watching over us.  Greater are those that are with us than those that are against us.  Trust Him.

God answers prayer

(Psa 65:2 KJV)  O thou that hearest prayer, unto thee shall all flesh come.

Our God answers prayer.  Throughout time, the mark of the true and living God is that He hears and answers prayer. It’s what distinguishes Him from all false Gods, false religions. This is simple, but it is foundational to our relationship with God.  We must believe, we must know, that God answers prayer, that God hears and answers OUR prayers. Every attribute of God is seen in the fact that He hears and answers prayer; His wisdom and knowledge, His holiness, His power, but most of all, His love and concern.  Pray.  Continue to pray. Be assured that God hears your prayer and, in the right time, He will answer.  

In His favor

(Psa 5:11 KJV)  But let all those that put their trust in thee rejoice: let them ever shout for joy, because thou defendest them: let them also that love thy name be joyful in thee. (Psa 5:12 KJV)  For thou, LORD, wilt bless the righteous; with favour wilt thou compass him as with a shield.

Those who trust the Lord are compassed about with favor as a shield; living daily under the shield of God’s favor. God’s favor is His delight,  His pleasure, His goodwill.  To be favored is to be treated with preference, with special advantages.  What an awesome privilege is afforded to those who trust in God.  We are surrounded with His favor, under the shield of the delight and pleasure of the all mighty God … surrounded by His favor, by His delight, by His goodwill toward us.  God looks down with favor, with delight, with pleasure, on those who love Him.  To live in God’s favor is to lack nothing, to fear nothing.  Trust Him. There is no safer or better place to be….purpose to live in His favor.

Check your priorities

Hag 1:1  In the second year of Darius the king, in the sixth month, in the first day of the month, came the word of the LORD by Haggai the prophet unto Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and to Joshua the son of Josedech, the high priest, saying, Hag 1:2Thus speaketh the LORD of hosts, saying, This people say, The time is not come, the time that the LORD'S house should be built. Hag 1:3Then came the word of the LORD by Haggai the prophet, saying, Hag 1:4Is it time for you, O ye, to dwell in your cieled houses, and this house lie waste?

 We need challenged to pick up the burden for the work of God and move forward.  We also need challenged to examine our priorities.  It is easy to let legitimate things crowd out our time and energy for the work of God.  The people to whom this passage was originally addressed had met much opposition and difficulty in their work.  Yet, they were without excuse for their neglect. The difficulty of the work at hand is no excuse - This is God’s Work!! It is the most important thing in the world!!  It is the salvation of souls and the saving of lives from destruction.  It is the preserving and advancing of society.  It is the only source of good in this dark world.  It is the only hope our society, our country and our world has to avert disaster. Too often we fail to show the importance of God’s work in our choices in life.  Let’s take an honest look at ourselves.  What are we focused on?  What are we giving our lives and energy to?  In light of the needs around us, do our choices and priorities make sense?  May God help us to be focused on what God is focused on.

Keep sowing

(Eccl 11:4 KJV)  He that observeth the wind shall not sow; and he that regardeth the clouds shall not reap. (Eccl 11:5 KJV)  As thou knowest not what is the way of the spirit, nor how the bones do grow in the womb of her that is with child: even so thou knowest not the works of God who maketh all. (Eccl 11:6 KJV)  In the morning sow thy seed, and in the evening withhold not thine hand: for thou knowest not whether shall prosper, either this or that, or whether they both shall be alike good.

This passage reminds us to continue in our calling, to continue to work to build up the Kingdom of God, no matter how we think the future looks. The truth is, we don’t know what the future holds, so don’t let it cause us to become discouraged.  It takes confidence in God to continue to sow when we don’t see favorable conditions, when it looks like we are wasting our time and effort.  Verse 5 reminds us there are many things which God does that we don’t understand. There will always be some reason to wait, to not sow.   If we spend our time trying to figure these things out, we will always be waiting for a more opportune time, trying to calculate the wind, trying to predict the rain. The world desperately needs a move of God.  Let’s do our part by continuing to sow the seed, to spread the Word.  Continue to invest of ourselves in the work of God;  our time, our energy, our hopes, our dreams, our resources, our very lives. The harvest may be many days, but the harvest will come.  Keep sowing.

God will repay

(Rom 12:19 KJV)  Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.

We need to be careful how we react to the wrongs done to us.  One of our first impulses is to “get even”, to react with anger.  We are to be different.  We are to control our anger. Don’t give any place to anger and a vindictive attitude.  Don’t dwell on the injustices done to you and give anger an opportunity to grow.  Instead, replace it with trust in God.  God will do what is right.   Nobody gets away with anything in the end.  Trust God, let’s live like ones who have a God to look out for us.

It will be well for the righteous

(Isa 3:10 KJV)  Say ye to the righteous, that it shall be well with him: for they shall eat the fruit of their doings.

One of the dangers we face is the paralyzing fear of what the future holds.  I don’t know what it holds, but if God does not intervene, the future doesn’t look bright.  This verse was addressed to the faithful during a time of judgment. God is just and looks after those who obey.  We have a safe retreat; God is our refuge.  This doesn’t mean we will not suffer.  It doesn’t mean that we are exempt from the effects of God’s judgment.  But it does mean that God will love and care for us in the midst of whatever is happening.  Pray for God to intervene; pray for an awakening, a revival.  Then fully trust the future to God; fully trust our future to God.  He will be faithful and just in whatever He does.

Our God remains the same

(Heb 13:8 KJV)  Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.

We live in a constantly changing world.  Change brings uncertainty; change is one of our biggest sources of stress.  In a world where everything changes, one thing remains the same:  God is the same.  God never changes.  He is the same, yesterday, today and forever. Created things have a beginning and ending, but not God, the Creator. He cannot change for the better, because He is perfect;  He cannot change for the worse,  He does not get stronger, or weaker, as time goes by.  He does not grow wiser, because He has always known all things. He isn’t getting older, He isn’t getting tired.  In a world that is always changing, God remains the same.  We know Him.  We can trust Him.  We can trust His Word. We can trust His Promises. He is where we turn to find stability and security in an ever changing world.

He is worthy

(Psa 107:21 KJV)  Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!  (Psa 107:22 KJV)  And let them sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving, and declare his works with rejoicing.

Our God deserves our praise.  God is good; all that He does is good.  God has been good to you and me in many ways. We have much to be thankful for.  First and foremost is God’s love and care for us, this great salvation and all it involves, freedom from guilt and peace within.  He is our Father, our provider, our help in this life, and a promise of life without end.  We need to meditate on God’s goodness and His care for us long enough allow praise to well up in our heart.  Then, our thankfulness and adoration will naturally come out in our daily life and conversation.  Begin today, this the Lord’s Day.  Think on His goodness to you.  Allow your praise to be known, both in the Lord’s house and in your everyday life.  He is worthy.

God will never forsake us

(Isa 49:13 KJV)  Sing, O heavens; and be joyful, O earth; and break forth into singing, O mountains: for the LORD hath comforted his people, and will have mercy upon his afflicted. (Isa 49:14 KJV)  But Zion said, The LORD hath forsaken me, and my Lord hath forgotten me. (Isa 49:15 KJV)  Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee.  (Isa 49:16 KJV)  Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands; thy walls are continually before me.

God will never leave us or forsake us.  God compares His love and faithfulness to the love and faithfulness of a mother of a young child.  God is more faithful.  God is ever mindful of us.  God said He has graven us in His palms.  Sometimes we write things we want to remember on our hands, where we will be constantly reminded of them.  We are graven on His palms; not just our name, but us; all about us, our situation, our worries, our concerns. This verse is to give us assurance that God is always mindful of us.  He has not forgotten; He will not forget.  Keep your faith.

Don't forget all the benefits

(Psa 103:1 KJV)  Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. (Psa 103:2 KJV)  Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: (Psa 103:3 KJV)  Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; (Psa 103:4 KJV)  Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies; (Psa 103:5 KJV)  Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's.

In difficult times, it is often easy to become distressed and become disillusioned.  This passage encourages us not to forget all the Lord’s benefits. It is good to rehearse the many benefits of salvation and God’s goodness.  His love is never ending; His compassions and mercies are new every day.  Let your mind dwell on His goodness and let His praise well up in your heart.  Allow His many benefits to turn your heaviness into praise.  Bless the Lord, don’t forget His many benefits.          

He will answer

(Jer 33:2 KJV)  Thus saith the LORD the maker thereof, the LORD that formed it, to establish it; the LORD is his name;  (Jer 33:3 KJV)  Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and show thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.

Are you in the midst of a trial, in the fire? Call on Him who is able to deliver. He has promised He will answer.  Expect great things; look forward with anticipation of God’s working.  Show your faith and trust in a faithful, loving God.  His way is best.  Call on Him and He will answer.

Keep praying

Luke 18:1  And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint; ………Luke 18:7And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them? Luke 18:8I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?

Our God answers prayer. Pray. Continue to pray. Don’t give up.  God is faithful.  God will not delay any longer than is absolutely right.  He will answer as soon as it is right to answer.  He will never delay unnecessarily; to do so would make Him less than holy. God is altogether holy, just and good.  He loves us.  Continue to trust; continue to call out to Him.  He will answer speedily, though He bear long.  Never give up.  Our God is a prayer hearing and answering God. 

Pray

.  (James 5:16 KJV)  Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

God hears the prayer of the righteous - those who are sincere, those who love Him.  Fervent prayer accomplishes much.  Elijah prayed and it didn’t rain for 3 ½ years;  he prayed again and the drought ended. Fire came down from heaven in answer to his prayer.  In the past, prayer has caused the sun to stand still; God has moved to defeat armies, change rulers in answer to prayer. God has stopped the mouths of lions, kept from the harm of the furnace, healed the sick, raised the dead in answer to prayer.  God has caused the meal and oil to not run out; God has multiplied the oil to pay debts and provide a living in answer to prayer. Whatever our need, God is able; not only is He able, He has probably promised it in His Word.  He has probably already done the same for someone else in answer to prayer.  Your prayer can be powerful and effective and accomplish much.  Our prayer, your prayer, can avail much, can accomplish much. Pray; pray fervently, earnestly, seek God for what you need. 

We are in this together

(Gal 6:2 KJV)  Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.

We are to help each other make it to heaven.  We are to help bear each other’s burdens.  In bearing each other’s burdens, we fulfill the law of Christ to love one another.  One of the ways we bear our brother or sister’s burden is to pray for them.  Love prompts us to pray for one another and praying for one another in turn deepens our love for each other.  Prayer binds your heart to the one you are praying for.  I know there is much to pray for, but let’s not fail to bear each other’s burdens to the throne of grace.  We are in this together.

Enough

(Deu 29:29 KJV)  The secret things belong unto the LORD our God: but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law.

God’s Word is sufficient…..that means that God’s Word is enough.  God in His Wisdom has said what He intended to say.  God has not revealed everything; there are some mysteries that are not given to us to know.  But God has revealed what we need to know to please Him.  We ought to avoid speculating on what has not been revealed, and instead, focus on what God has revealed and applying His revealed word to our life.  

Blessed

Psa 84:11  For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly. Psa 84:12O LORD of hosts, blessed is the man that trusteth in thee.

God is our light, showing us the way, giving direction to our life.   He is our protection in everything in life.  God gives grace and glory, which means He gives us favor and honor.  What a blessing to live in God’s favor and all its benefits!!  We are promised that no good thing would be withheld from those who live uprightly, those who do what is right.  How blessed is the person who trusts in God!!  What more could we ask for?

An open door

Rev 3:7KJVAnd to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth; Rev 3:8I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name.

This passage is the opening line of the message to the church at Philadelphia.  God had set an open door before them. This was a message to a church in a time of difficulty and opposition. This was a faithful church, but it was not an easy situation.  Yet, in the middle of this opposition, God said He had set an open door before them.  What do we think of when we hear “an open door”?   Open door means opportunity.  God had set opportunity before them, even in a difficult time.  The opportunity they had did not depend on their situation. We can have hope.  It is God who opens the door.  It wasn’t just favorable circumstances.  It wasn’t their own strength “ I know you have but little strength”.   It is God who opens, and no one can shut.   Our God reigns omnipotent.  Our God is sovereign in power.  Our God is an awesome God. This open door implies an opportunity to work in the kingdom of God, an opportunity to do good, to further the spread of the gospel.  Keep your faith.  Keep your hope.  Stay faithful.  Revival has always come at a dark hour.