Consumed!

The worst is coming followed by the clearing skies. Isn't it great to know that God has given us Jesus.  

Lamentations chapter 3 verse 21-24.

Yet there is one ray of hope: His compassion never ends. It is only the Lords mercies that have kept us from complete destruction. Great is His faithfulness; His loving kindness begins afresh each day. My soul claims the Lord as my inheritance; therefore I will hope in Him. The Lord is wonderfully good to those who wait for Him, to those who seek for Him. It is good both to hope and wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord. 

It is so easy to be consumed by the stuff we have going on around us and most times we do not even recognize that we are enveloped by our circumstances. Most times we just wish that peaceful times would return. 

   Misunderstanding is a big part of being consumed. Lots of times we don't understand why things have to happen as they do and we are left to deal with them. When physical things happen to us we are feeling the pain and suffering and it is hard to see anything else than what we are feeling. They become physical scars that never leave our thoughts. 

   Then there are the everyday issues that consume our thoughts. Our jobs, our relationships, the repairs to our home, the repairs to our car, or how about enough time to cram in all that we want to do in a day. Where do we find the time to have peace?

   Anxieties and fears can haunt our thoughts. Especially now with all the possibilities of getting sick from some virus. We can't just lock ourselves away and let our thoughts eat away our hopes. Going for walks helps get us some fresh air and changes up what we are doing. Talking through your issues with someone you trust, helps and sometimes it leaves us feeling better. 

   There is a saying that a lot of people live by; "Time can heal all things" but what about right now? You know the stuff you are dealing with right now. Well, if you have hope than you can garb onto that and ride out the storms. Or you can talk to God  and receive peace in knowing that He is right there with you going through each and every heartache and pain as you are.

   But how is trusting in God going to help me in my currant situation? You turn to God because you know that He is a higher power beyond whatever it is that you can do. You are placing your hopes in Him. Try being consumed by Jesus. He trusted in God and wants you to know that God wants you to trust in Him also. Jesus suffered so that God's plan of salvation could come to all people. 

   Jesus has been lifted up to the heights of heaven where He lives in peace, knowing that He is with God. The same is true for you and your life. You are not alone to deal with any of the heartaches, anxieties or fears. God is with you and you can talk to Him and believe in His love for you. It kinda takes the edge off of what you are dealing with at the moment. 

   Your problems have not gone away, but you have talked them out with God and you have asked for Him to help you. Well, that is better than nothing. So now, you face your concerns knowing that you have talked to God about them. And something amazing happens!

   Maybe you don't see it at first, but something amazing has happened and it becomes clear to you that God is helping you. Now your thoughts are on Him. The toughest circumstances that make us suffer are eased with knowing that we are no longer alone, but that God, who cares and loves each one of us as His own children, is there with us. 

   Romans chapter 8 says it the best. We are to face each day as if it would be our last, awaiting slaughter, but to know that overwhelming victory is ours through Christ who loved us enough to die for us. It goes on to say; that we can feel comforted in knowing that nothing will ever separate us from His love. Death can't and life can't. The angels won't and all the powers of hell itself cannot keep God's love away. Our fears for today, our worries about tomorrow, or where we are---high above the sky, or in the deepest ocean---nothing will ever be able to separate us from the love of God demonstrated by our Lord Jesus Christ when He died for us. 

   So, the things that fill our thoughts do not have to be all consuming, God wants us to give them over to Him, so that He can be seen as the one who saving us. Giving us His saving grace, leaving us thankful. 

   Thank You Father for Jesus. Thank You that You want to take on my mess. Your grace and mercies bring peace and love to our lives. 😊      

             

Lamentations chapter 3 verses 39-42.

Why then should we, mere humans as we are, murmur and complain when punished for our sins? Let us examine ourselves instead and repent and turn again to the Lord. Let us lift our hearts and hands to Him in heaven, for we have sinned; we have rebelled against the Lord and He has not forgotten it. 

Lamentations chapter 3 verses 54-57.

The water flowed above my head. I thought, This is the end! But I called upon Your name, O Lord, from deep within the well, and You heard me! You listened to my pleading; You heard my weeping! Yes, You came at my despairing cry and told me not to fear.   

Ephesians chapter 4 verse 2.

Be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowances for each others faults because of your love. Try always to be led along together by the Holy Spirit, and so be at peace with one another.