Our Times Are Safe in His Hands

For the last few months in my time with the Lord, I have been going through Psalms. About a week and a half ago, I was reading Psalm 31 and got to the verse that said, “My times are in Your hands” (31:15). I was about to leave for the hospital to spend the day with Mom. Two days prior, she had decided to transition into hospice care as the cancer was now in her abdomen and there were no more viable treatment options for her. Additionally, she was dealing with incredible pain, and we knew that her time here on earth might be nearing the end. Here was a verse that spoke right into our situation: Our times belong to the Lord. Mom’s time belonged to the Lord.

            Psalm 139:16 says that “all the days ordained for me were written in Your book before one of them came to be.” From before Mom was born in Poplar Bluff, Missouri, on November 29, 1951, the Lord knew that her final day on earth would take place on September 29, 2026, while she was at home with her husband and children. This was God’s plan for her; it was born out of an all-loving, all-wise Fatherly heart. And this truth gives peace in the midst of the sadness. We do not have to understand why this was the time the Lord set for her. Yet we are called upon to trust that the Lord is accomplishing His will and that He is good, even as we grieve and miss her terribly. We know that she is happy and whole in the presence of her Savior and that we will see her again in the place where there are no more goodbyes.

            There is a song we used to sing in Germany based on Psalm 31:15. The chorus says, “My times are in Your hands. Now I can be at rest (at peace) in You.” Believing that God knows the number of our days, that our times are in His hands, helps to quiet our troubled hearts. No diagnosis, no accident, no tragedy will alter the plan God has for us or the days He has numbered for us. There is peace in knowing that God is in control, even over the day of our homegoing.

            As I was studying this passage a bit more this week, I learned that the word used for “times” means more than just the passing of time. While it does relate to the number of days that we have on this earth, it is not limited only to this application. The word “times” is translated “circumstances” in 1 Chronicles 29:30 which references the account of David’s life “and of the circumstances that came upon him.” It is not just the number of our days that are in God’s hands, but also our circumstances. The challenges we face, the disappointments we feel, the grief we bear – these, too, are in His hands. Therefore, with King David, the author of Psalm 31, we declare, “But I trust in You, O Lord; I say, ‘You are my God.’ My times are in Your hands” (verses 14-15a).

I know this truth helped sustain Mom as well, for yesterday, as I was leafing through a journal in which Mom had copied bible verses after her cancer diagnosis, I saw that this passage was one of them. She knew that her times were in God’s hands. In the midst of great sadness, we rejoice that the God who led Mom to Himself through her faith in Christ also led her, in His perfect time, safely home.

-- Amy O'Rear

God Gives the Increase

 

My drive to church takes me down Standifer Gap Road past the turn-off to Gavin and Sandy’s house, up over the ridge where Brent and Sarah used to live, and down past the fire station. You know the section I mean? Around several curves along the flat stretch of road, we eventually come to the area hit hard by the tornado of 2020, and on the left side of the road, right near the Harry’s gas station and convenience store, there has been a lot of ground work this summer for what appears to be a future construction project.

When I first saw the trees coming down and the piles of trunks and branches and such, I felt very discouraged. It is my personal view that we have enough houses and apartments and not enough wild spaces. I realize that I can do little to change what is happening there next to Standifer Gap Road, but I can let God work in me to teach me a lesson through what I observe.  

In the past couple of months, as the ground has remained relatively undisturbed, I have been delighted to see bright goldenrod, tall Jerusalem artichokes, healthy ragweed, and numerous things I can’t name growing on the hillside. No one planned a garden there or worked to place seeds and give them appropriate water. These plants grew because that is the nature of seeds and plants.

There are numerous places in scripture where Jesus and others use the metaphor of sowing seeds to talk about the concept of spreading the gospel. Matthew, Mark, and Luke all record the parable of the sower. Here’s how Mark gives it to us: “The kingdom of God is like a man who casts seed upon the ground and goes to bed at night and gets up by day, and the seed sprouts up and grows—how, he himself does not know. The earth produces crops by itself” (4:26-28a). This is how God made the earth. Seeds fall into the ground, and when conditions are right, they sprout and grow.

The principle of sowing and reaping—though in a different context—is eloquently stated in Psalm 126: “Those who sow in tears shall reap with joyful shouting” (5). The expected result of sowing is reaping what was planted.

When urging Corinthian believers to maturity, Paul likens sharing the truth of God to planting. He says to the church members, “I planted, Apollos watered, but God was causing the growth” (I Corinthians 3:6)

Here’s my point: God is the one who causes seeds to sprout and grow, both in the natural world and in the spiritual world. Sometimes we share the good news and pray. We weep over friends and loved ones—even strangers—who need the Savior. When we don’t see any growth, it can be very discouraging. But God is at work. God is the one who makes everything work together to accomplish His purpose. The once-barren hillside along Standifer Gap is alive with growth. Every time I drive by it, I see the flourishing, and it gives me encouragement.

I may not see how the seed of truth is germinating in someone’s heart and mind. I can’t observe the leaves uncurling underground and making their way to the light, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t happening.

What is my job? Not to command the sun and rain; I can’t do that. Not to urge the seeds to growth; it doesn’t work that way. My job is to spread the seed and trust God to make it grow. Let’s be encouraged. God is at work.

--Sherry Poff

Praise Upon Praise Upon Praise Upon . . .

 Wednesday morning I was listening to The Worship Initiative. This is one of my favorite resources for a few minutes of worship time each week morning. It’s like a mini podcast where they share a hymn or praise song every day and then a devotional that goes along with it. I highly recommend it!

 The focus that morning was on praise. And there was one thought presented that I loved: that “the prerequisite for praise is breath. And the prerequisite for praise is no breath.” If you have breath - men and women, boys and girls - praise the Lord. If you have no breath - rocks and hills and the ocean and all of creation - praise the Lord! Let all nations, all peoples, all creation praise.

 So in light of our first morning in our own building after years of waiting following the 2020 tornado, let’s do that - let’s bring praise upon praise:

 

Praise Upon Praise

We praise You for this space, this place

We praise You for a building to be

We praise You for the rooms for classes

We praise You for the auditorium for learning,

Singing, growing

 

We praise You for the body that is the church

We praise You for our friends, our family

That we are there together, but that it is

The together that matters more

 Than the bricks and walls

 

We praise You for the time we were waiting

It was hard and at times confusing

But we stated what we knew to be true

Your timing is good and perfect and You chose us

To be taught the patience and to be taught together

 

We praise You for the hands that have worked so hard

For the minds that planned, for the people who have met

We praise You for the paint on the walls

We praise You for the windows and the stairs

And the roof and the chairs

Praise Upon Praise Upon Praise

 

We praise You for the hands we can raise

We praise You for the voices singing in the choir

We praise You for the people you have brought together

To be a local church, loving, supporting,

Worshipping together

 

We praise You for the trials You allow

Those who are hurting physically, emotionally

The burdens we can help one another bear

We praise You for the times we are weak so that our only hope

Is the strength You provide

 

We praise You for the times of peace

For the mercy You give when we don’t deserve it

We praise You for the days of rejoicing and the times

That we are reminded of the hope eternal

That only You can give

 

We praise You for the body of Christ

We praise You for those around the world

That praise Your name in different languages

And rhythms and cultures

That it is our one true God who unites us all

 

Praise Upon Praise Upon Praise Upon Praise

 

We praise You that you are our Father

That You are good and have a plan

We praise You that You loved us first

And that You hold us to comfort and hold us

To a standard of holiness

 

We praise You that when we couldn’t meet that standard

You gave Your Son

We praise You for Your sacrifice

We praise You for Your rescue

And for the friend that Jesus is to us

 

We praise You that You gave us Your Spirit

To lead us in love and joy and peace

We praise You for the help that He is

We praise You for Your Word

That we understand and apply with our Guide

 

We praise You that You heal

We praise You that You hear

We praise You that You protect

We praise You that You restore

We praise You that You are good

We praise You that You are right

We praise You for You are worthy

 

We praise, Nosotros alabamos, Nous Louons, Wir Preisen…

Praise Upon Praise…

 --Sandy Gromacki

Out in the Fields with God

 My favorite room in my house is not really a room–it’s my front porch.There’s a table and chairs, a papasan chair, a loveseat, two rockers, other chairs.  There are wind chimes and bird houses and bird feeders.  But there is mostly quiet, silence.  I spend hours out there, reading, napping, entertaining, but mostly sitting, praying, thinking, being.  I think being is perhaps the most important.  I am a doer.  I think I have to be productive.  But sometimes I need to just be.  I need somehow to let go of the things that burden me.

In the last few days I have remembered a short poem by Elizabeth Barrett Browning. I have needed the reminder.

The little cares that fretted me,

I lost them yesterday

Among the fields above the sea,

Among the winds at play;

Among the lowing of the herds,

The rustling of the trees,

Among the singing off the birds,

The humming of the bees.

The foolish fears of what may happen,

I cast them all away

Among the clover-scented grass,

Among the new-mown hay;

Among the husking of the corn

Where drowsy poppies nod,

Where ill thoughts die and good are born

Out in the fields with God.

Are you fretting over little things?  Perhaps even big things are bedeviling you.  Cast those away. Lose them. Let God bring the peace you need.

                                                                ~~Faith Himes Lamb

New Beginnings

 

I know it is not January and the “new year.” Nor is it the traditional time for new calendars and resolutions and diets. However, it is fall—another more practical time for new beginnings: school, Awana, schedules, et al. I have always loved the start of school—both as a student and a teacher.

As a student, I loved the gathering of school supplies: pencils, papers, books (oh, and new clothes). I enjoyed meeting new teachers and forming new relationships. I appreciated the clean slate: no negative grades in the grade book—that was always a confidence builder.  As a student, I wanted to do my best and needed to know my teacher would help.

As a teacher, I really valued the gathering of school supplies: pens, folders, curricula, books (not so many new clothes). I was exhilarated by meeting new students and returning faculty members. I really appreciated being able to start each class with a clarified syllabus, new PowerPoint presentations, and a fresh approach to things I had already learned or taught. I knew my students were anxious and needed to know I would help them learn.

As a believer, I and thankful for and treasure the new beginnings of each day. I am confident in the faithfulness of God to me. I am guarded by God’s personal knowledge of me and the hedge of protection He provides. I know He is loving me, is with me, and is guiding me.

Each day’s new beginning is predicated on God’s hesed love and mercy. Jeremiah tells of God’s mercies that are new every morning because He is faithful. "The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning" (Lamentations 3:22-23). Whatever happened yesterday is over. My sins are forgiven, my opportunities are spent, and today is new and may be spent for God.

I am reminded that for each day, in each new beginning, God will be faithful no matter what I face. Paul reiterates this promise with an explanation that God is in control. "And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear" (I Corinthians 10:13). In our lives we face trials, tests, tumults that God will use for our benefit and His glory.

I am confident in the fact that God keeps His promises. The Psalmist speaks of God’s mercies, faithfulness, and steadfastness. “The Lord upholdeth all that fall  . . . the Lord is night unto all them that call upon him.” (145: 14a, 15). God kept His promise to Abraham by allowing him to father a great nation. God upheld His word to David, and Jesus Christ was born of David’s line. God promised the world a Savior, and “in the fulness of time” (Galatians 4), Jesus Christ came to “seek and save” all who were lost. God will continue to be faithful.

 

Yes, God is faithful. Am I? Oh, I am so thankful for new beginnings: each year, each day, each time I rush to Him with my pain, my sin, my problems. And Almighty God hears and calls me “Child.” This new beginning I am gathering promises that I know God will keep.

 

“But you, Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness”. (Psalm 86:15)

 

--Janet Hicks

It's Okay to Not Know

 

In Corrie Ten Boom’s book, “The Hiding Place,” Corrie tells a story about an interaction she had with her father when she was a young girl. She asked him what sex-sin was. He thought long and hard and then asked her to pick up his suitcase which was much too heavy for her. He told her that like that suitcase, so was knowledge that is too heavy for a young girl. He told her he would explain things to her once she was big enough to carry that knowledge and that she would need to trust him to carry it for her in the meantime. That was enough.

Like Corrie, I was recently made aware that a difficult situation had happened, but I was not allowed to know the details. Of course, I was curious and wanted to know more, but I simply had to be satisfied with just a little information. I wasn’t merely being nosey. mind you. I wanted information, so I could process things and form my own opinions about the matter. But general information had to be enough.

After the first few days passed, I noticed the demeanor of a few people who did know the details. The weight of that knowledge was heavy upon them. They looked strained and haggard. Swollen, red eyes hinted at much crying. I began to think, “Maybe it’s best I don’t know the details. This could be bad for my mental, emotional, and even physical health.”

Consider these verses from Ecclesiastes 1 (ESV):

“I the Preacher have been king over Israel in Jerusalem. And I applied my heart to seek and to search out by wisdom all that is done under heaven. It is an unhappy business that God has given to the children of man to be busy with. I have seen everything that is done under the sun, and behold, all is vanity and a striving after wind.

What is crooked cannot be made straight, and what is lacking cannot be counted.

I said in my heart, ‘I have acquired great wisdom, surpassing all who were over Jerusalem before me, and my heart has had great experience of wisdom and knowledge. And I applied my heart to know wisdom and to know madness and folly. I perceived that this also is but a striving after wind.

For in much wisdom is much vexation, and he who increases knowledge increases sorrow.’”

 

The Preacher (whom many assume was Solomon) knew all about what was happening in his kingdom and in much of the rest of the world – “all that is done under heaven.” He saw much suffering and injustice as well as meaningless activity. Even though he was a king, he felt the powerlessness of not being able to fix the evils of this world.

 

Again, some knowledge is just too heavy for us to carry. I felt this deep in my bones on October 7, 2023. If you’re uncertain about what happened on that date, I caution you to be careful if you research it. Terrible, horrible things happened in Israel. I watched too many troubling videos on social media. Lingering too long, I saw things I will never forget.

 

Yes, we want to stay informed about history and current events, but limiting the knowledge of evil, especially of which we have no control, might be wiser than consuming it straight into our hearts and minds over and over again. Many today are suffering from depression and anxiety, and although, these can be complex issues, feeding our hearts day-in and day-out on endless news cycles and social media posts cannot be helping us mentally, physically, emotionally, and even spiritually.

 

Like Mr. Ten Boom, our Father in Heaven waits to carry this knowledge that is too heavy for us. We can trust Him with it.

 

I Peter 5:6-8, “Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.”

 

The enemy can destroy us internally with knowledge we should not be bearing.

 

Protect your heart. Give your cares to the Lord. He’s strong and mighty. He can handle it.

 

joyce hague

How to Fight a Battle that Is Already Won

            Are you in the midst of a battle? There are various battles we fight throughout life, aren’t there? There are health battles, relationship battles, internal thought battles, spiritual battles, temptation to sin battles, and many more. This morning we sang the song “Christ the Victor” in church. The chorus says, “Now to the Lamb upon the throne, be blessing, honor, glory, power for the battle you have won. Hallelujah!” Christ has already won the battle! Which battle? Primarily, He has won the battle against sin and bought our redemption at the cross. Ultimately, every battle will be won by Him. All will be put right. For the believer, all will be well.

            But now, as we wait for Christ’s return when He will set up His kingdom in full, we still fight battles. How do we fight a battle that has already been won? I think Peter gives us several clues in the opening words of his first letter to the dispersed believers. Here he encourages them to endure suffering and trials – their own battles. His words for them are also life-giving inspired words for us. This is how we fight the battles of life.

 

1. Fight with Hope

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, unfading, kept in heaven for you” (1:3-4)

Our hope is not in this world. It is not in our health, our financial stability, or in other people. It should not rest on how our current situation plays out. The things of this world are not certain; we cannot set our hope on them. Peter says that we have been born again to a “living hope.” That living hope is Christ Himself who loves us and saved us. He is walking with us in the battle, and He promises to never leave us. Beyond that, He promises an inheritance in heaven that none can take away that will far outweigh any struggle of this earth. Therefore, we fight with hope, eyes fixed on Jesus and our eternity in heaven with Him in His perfect kingdom.

 

2. Fight with Perspective

“who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time” (1:5)

We lose perspective in trials, don’t we? Our problems loom large; our Lord seems small. I am reminded of the image of one who puts his thumb in front of his eye and thus blocks out everything else from his vision. Peter tells us to keep perspective. We are being protected by God. He is holding us fast in our faith. Our final home and glorification lie ahead, not here on earth. Let us get our thumbs away from our eyes and see the bigger story that surrounds our current battle.

 

3. Fight with joy

“In this you rejoice” (1:6a)

Our battles often bring out our despair, anxiety, discouragement, and anger. Joy is the last thing we would naturally feel. Yet Peter tells us here that we have reason for joy, even in the midst of being “grieved by various trials.” That joy comes from all that Peter has written up to this point and what will follow in the passage. We have salvation, hope, a home in heaven, an unfading inheritance, and God’s power working on our behalf. We don’t have to love the circumstance, but we rejoice in the God who holds us in the midst of the battle and who uses it all for our good.

 

4. Fight with Perseverance

“though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials (1:6b)

Your battle is “for a little while.” When compared to eternity, even if the trial lasts for years, it is a blip in time. It does not feel this way in the midst of the trial; we struggle to see past it. However, we persevere because we know that this trial will not last forever. Even if it does not go away in this life on earth, glory lies ahead.

 

5. Fight with Purpose

“so that the tested genuineness of your faith – more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire – may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ” (1:7)

            Our faith is refined through trials. When we turn to God in our battles, looking to Him for strength and help in our time of need, our faith is tested and strengthened. Such faith is more beautiful than gold. Verse 6 even clarifies that the trial is “necessary.” Without the trials, we would not experience the sanctification that the Lord has for us. Our suffering is not for naught; there is purpose in it. The Lord is for us. He will bring about good. We fight our battles, believing that our faith is being made perfect in the midst of it as we fix our eyes on Christ.

            The singers Shane and Shane wrote a song that has been sung at the last two women’s conferences that I have attended. Whenever we sing the song and I happen to look around me, I always see women in tears because they are living the words of the song. Perhaps you are, too. Here is the chorus:

I’m fighting a battle You’ve already won.

No matter what comes my way, I will overcome.

I don’t know what You’re doing, but I know what You’ve done.

I’m fighting a battle You’ve already won.

--Amy O'Rear