The Tribune

By CARLOS SPENCER

Notwithstanding the trials and challenges that we shall encounter along life’s journey, as believers we are comforted in knowing that God remains in control. The Apostle Paul wrote in Philippians 4:19 (KJV): “But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”

There is nothing that our Almighty God cannot handle. No problem is too great for Him. He created all life and remains in control, irrespective of what we might experience from one moment to the next.

Scripture is lucid on the awesome power of our Creator. Isaiah 41:10 (KJV) reminds us: “Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.”

We know where to place our trust when we experience the inevitable storms of life.

Paul tells us in 2 Timothy 1:7 (KJV): “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” In other words, the Holy Spirit does not allow us to feel like cowards, but bestows upon us the gifts of power, love and self control. When we put our trust in God, we do not think of fear or failure, no matter the depth of the challenge, or absence of an obvious solution. We know that the Most High God will see us through because He is God and this is His kingdom, both here and beyond.

David wrote in Psalm 55:22 (KJV): “Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.” He is our Comforter and He is in control. We are told in 1 Peter 5:6-7 (KJV): “Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.”

God will address our challenges and raise us up, but we must approach Him with trust and humility.

We are prone to become anxious as we wait on our Lord to answer our prayers in time of need. However, we must be strong. Nahum 1:7 (KJV) tells us: “The Lord is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him.”

In my view, we are not very likely to succeed at many projects or goals if we do not position God first in all that we do.

We are not without sin and error because we are human, but the spirit and presence of our Creator should be paramount and foremost in our lives. This is especially relevant to those of us that identify ourselves as believers in Christ. Ideally, God should reside at the centre of our existence and we should continuously strive to keep our minds and hearts fixed on Him. Isaiah 26:3 (KJV) advises us: “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.”

Joshua 1:9 (KJV) provides clear advice to us: “Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.”

We are comforted by the words of David found in Psalm 34:7 (KJV): “The angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them.”

We should continue to hold on to the trustworthy promises of God as revealed in the Holy Bible. He alone provides the assurance to enable us to circumvent the various challenges that we face in life. Psalm 46:1 (KJV) affirms: “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” Amen.

Thanks be to God for the sharing of His Word.