Monday, November 24, 2008

DEVOTIONAL

By Carol Hensrud

Isaiah 41:10 “So do not fear, for I am with you, do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

Life is fragile; we know not what tomorrow holds for any of us. I was once again reminded of that when a friend was recently diagnosed with brain cancer. All of us, at some point, face “storms” in our lives and they can seem overwhelming. It may be a health issue, like my friend, or it could be work related, financial problems, or family troubles. Whatever it may be, how will you handle that “storm” when it comes your way? It is easy for us to profess our Christian faith when all is going smoothly, but trusting in the midst of a fierce storm? Yet, the Lord wants us to trust Him even when we can’t understand. In our constantly changing world, we can trust in Someone who does not change! ” Mal. 3:6 “I the LORD do not change.”

When those storms come, (and they will) we can be assured that the Lord is with us, even though we may not see Him. Is. 43:2-4 “I have called you by name. You are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and 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. For I am the LORD, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.” No matter what lies ahead of you, you can be secure because of God’s presence. He knows you by name and loves you!

In the devotional book Be Still and Know, by Millie Stamm, she wrote “Although our outward circumstances may be stormy, Jesus gives us that inner quietness of heart that steadies us in our storm beaten path.” Through Christ, our Lord, we can find that inner quietness (peace) and the strength to continue on through the storm.
Col. 3:15(LB) “Let the peace of heart which comes from Christ be always present in your heart and mind.”
Is. 26:3 “You will keep him in perfect peace whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you.”
“When you keep your mind on Him, He will give you peace of mind.”
Ps. 46:1 “God is my refugee and strength, a very present help in trouble.”
Ps. 29:11 “The LORD gives strength to his people; the LORD blesses his people with peace.”
In Millie Stamm’s devotional, she also wrote that someone stated, “The strength of the Lord enables us to bear the pressure of the storm; the peace of God keeps the disturbing elements of the outer storm from penetrating our inner being.”

He giveth more grace when the burdens grow greater,
He sendeth more strength when the labors increase;
To added affliction He addeth His mercy,
To multiplied trials, His multiplied peace.

May you find the strength and peace you need to face your “storm” in Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.