Be strong and courageous

Observations:  I found great peace in reading Psalm 37.  With all the unrest currently, it brought rest to my soul. Verses 18-20a says: “The LORD ‘knows the days of the blameless and their heritage will remain forever; they are not put to shame in evil times in the days of famine they have abundance. But the wicked will perish.” I need to remember that God is still in control.  I can’t control the media hype.  I can’t control what governors execute as orders, but I can control how I react to all of it.  In 1 Corinthians 3, people who should be spiritual are obviously fighting with each other.  That is not the way we should be handling ourselves either.  I need to be careful not to be drug into these battles that rage around me.  Verses 16-17 reminds me: “Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you?  If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy him.  For God’s temple is holy, and you are that temple.”  It goes on to speak of wisdom.  It is best we let God have all control because we are not as wise as we sometimes think we are.  Joshua speaks to me where we are today. Verse 9 reads:  “Have I not commanded you?  Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened and do not be dismayed for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go”

Scripture:  Psalm 37:7-9   “Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; fret not yourself over the one who prospers in his way, over the man who carries out evil devices! Refrain from anger, and forsake wrath! Fret no yourself; it tends only to evil. For the evildoers shall be cut off but those who wait for the LORD shall inherit the land.”

Application:  Yesterday I removed Facebook and News from my phone so I have to be more intentional about when I get on to it.  I am learning I have to be careful about what I post because these are times of great anxiety for everyone, and everyone’s true colors are coming out.  Therefore, I am trying to spend more time in the WORD and in prayer and I started journaling again.  I have to be ready to back off from the battle that is raging.  I’m torn between justice and wisdom, but I realize wisdom can only be found in the Lord.

Prayer:  Lord, I ask you to protect our minds.  I ask you to lead each person reading this today to their peace and rest in you.  Father, we do ask you to stop these plagues, not only Coronavirus, but the plague of lies and twisted truth; jealousy and anger; disobedience and fear.  Lord, protect us from ourselves.  I pray this in the precious name of your son, Jesus Christ who died for us.

Next Reading:  Joshua 3-6; 1 Corinthians 4