There is a beautiful song called Run to the Father, by Cody Carnes. You will be greatly encouraged if you listen to it. These are the words:
“I've carried a burden for too long on my own.
I wasn't created to bear it alone.
I hear Your invitation to let it all go.
Yeah, I see it now. I'm laying it down.
And I know that I need You.
I run to the Father. I fall into grace.
I'm done with the hiding. No reason to wait.
My heart needs a surgeon. My soul needs a friend.
So I'll run to the Father, again and again, and again, and again.
You saw my condition. Had a plan from the start.
Your Son for redemption. The price for my heart.
I don't have a context for that kind of love.
I don't understand. I can't comprehend.
All I know is I need You.”
In difficult times of uncertainty, we will find hope when we run to the Father who is unchanging. Three things that never change are the character of God, our identity in Christ, and His promises. No matter what our circumstances, God’s nature never changes. The first time that God described himself was to Moses. “Then the Lord came down in the cloud and stood there with Moses and proclaimed his name, the Lord. And he passed in front of Moses, proclaiming, “The Lord, the Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion, and sin” (Exodus 34:5-7a).
Our Father is so patient. He sent us prophets and priests to tell us how we should live. When we still did not listen, He sent His Son. Jesus taught us the way we should live to bring honor and love to God and to our neighbors. But still, we did not and do not listen. We rebel. We live our lives in pride, independent of God. We do things our way, rather than seeking God’s way. We cling to man-made idols (like money) to find comfort, hope, peace, and pride. Too often, we selfishly seek these out to please ourselves or our family members but ignore the needy around us.
We must also realize that God is a righteous judge who will punish rebellion and idolatry. However, God pours out His grace upon us. Though we deserve punishment, God sent His own Son to bear the punishment for us. The Lord gives us a choice to turn away from self-absorption and idolatry. When we turn to follow Christ and receive His gracious provision for our sins, He will lead us out of darkness into light. These are dark times for people all around the world. The Lord calls us to pray for His mercy. To pray for people to turn away from self and idols and turn to Jesus. He is the Shepherd who can lead us out of the storm, away from the enemies that want to destroy our bodies and souls.
Amidst great trials and persecution, the Psalmists call us to look to the Father from whom comes our help. All of Psalm 46 assures us that if we look to God, our fear will go, and our help will come. Lift our eyes up to the Maker of heaven and earth from whom comes our help (see Psalm 121:1-2). The apostle John tells us of the Father’s great love for us. “How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God” (1 John 3:1). God reaches out to us, understanding our fears. He knows we struggle to trust Him during times of uncertainty. Where will our food come from? Will I have any money a month from now? Will my family stay healthy? Will those I know and love who are sick get better? God calls us to pray and ask (see Matthew 7:7). He also tells us not to worry because our Father knows all our needs. Take advantage of our privileged inheritance and run to our Father with all your needs (see Matthew 6:25-33). God is unchanging. Our identity is unchanging. God’s promises are unchanging. Trust me when I say, things are not as uncertain as they seem.
Today’s Bible Reading: Exodus 34:5-7; Matthew 6:25-33
By Sue Corl; an excerpt from For Such A Time As This: Walking Through Crisis
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