May 2010
“Don’t worry. I’ve got it all under control.”
That’s what the Lord God, the Creator of all that is, is saying to us today. And, even though it may seem to some (even to professing believers) that He’s asleep or MIA (missing-in-action), He’s still very much around.
Watching. Listening. Biding His time until He says “Enough!” and arises from His Throne (Psalm 2).
Behind the scenes He’s at work. . .like some conductor of a large symphony orchestra. . . moving in the hearts of lives of every person. . .directing those who are responsive to Him. . . and allowing those who aren’t to continue in their perverted ways. . . UNTIL He says “I’ll take it from here.”
Such is the sovereignty of God. And, such is the message of Psalm 121.
In some ways I wish I were a Calvinist, who believes that everything is predestined or predetermined by God. It’d be much easier to believe that way.
But, then, I’d still have to struggle with the problem of evil; but, this time it’d be over why God CAUSES it, instead of simply ALLOWING it.
And, that’s why I’m not a Calvinist—for I can’t for the life of me believe in a God Who caused Adolph Hitler to kill six million Jews. . .and Saddam Hussein (and other dictators like him) to commit such atrocities. . .and abortionists to kill innocent babies. . .and homosexuals to say “God created me this way” when His Word clearly says He didn’t (Romans 1:18-32).
Sure, I’d love for God to begin getting everyone’s attention by sending some angelic messenger from Heaven to suddenly appear in the sky. Or, toss a few lightning bolts here and there (on the rebellious, of course).
But, when I think about it—and all the earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, hurricanes, the massive tsunami a few years ago, etc.—it would seem that He has been/is trying to get our attention.
The question is: “Are we listening??”
God’s not to blame for our economic woes; our greed is. He’s not to blame for the breakdown of the family, the lukewarmness of the church, the rise of immorality in our society; we are. And, He’s not to blame for the illegal immigration problem; we are. When the word “illegal” doesn’t mean anything anymore—whether it be man’s laws or God’s Laws (the Ten Commandments)—then you end up with what you’ve got: Total chaos.
Yes, God’s at work. We just have to stop, look and listen with eyes and ears of faith to see it.
That’s why Ps. 121 is comforting to those who believe and (should be) disconcerting to those who don’t. Even though evil is flourishing right now, the Day’s coming when those who’ve disdained Him and disregarded His overtures of love and warnings will wish they hadn’t.
It’s time for those of us who know Him to turn back to Him, heeding the words of II Chronicles 7:14. His Judgment on this country is largely because of His People’s failure to obey Him and it’s only because of His Mercy that we, too, won’t be consumed in His wrath (I Peter 4:17; Lamentations 3:21-23).
But, back to the original point of this article.
Almighty God is a 24/7/365 God. He “slumbers not, neither does He sleep” (Ps. 121:3b-4). This means He’s never caught off-guard by anything. Whether we’re facing a critical surgery and afraid of the anesthesia or worried over the rise-and-fall of the stock market, He’s still at work and “the One Who keeps those who trust in Him safe-and-secure in the midst of it all” (Ps. 121:5-8).
Therefore, do not fear, dear Reader, when the Maker of Heaven and earth is your “Refuge and Strength, a very Present Help in trouble” (Ps. 46:1). Likewise, do not worry over rising prices or failing health when the sparrow-watching, hair-counting, tear-catching God holds you “in the hollow of His Hand, from which no one can pluck you” (Matthew 6:25-30; 10:29-31; Ps. 56:8—KJV; Jn. 10:28-29).
He’s faithful. And, He’s always on duty. Trust Him.<>(NOTE: If you’d like to contact Bro. Tom or receive his daily e-mail devotional, entitled “Morning Manna,” you can write him at P.O. Box 582, Coushatta, LA 71019 or e-mail him at pressingon@hotmail.com).
