A Direct Line to God

The iconic image of the Hand of God giving life to Adam, used since the series' inception. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

When I consider your heavens,
    the work of your fingers,
the moon and the stars,
    which you have set in place,
4 what is mankind that you are mindful of them, 
    human beings that you care for them?

Psalm 8:3-4

New International Version (NIV)

       God is big.  When we think of God, we think in terms of infinite, eternal, and omnipotent.   With all of the billions and billions of people who now live and who have ever lived, why should God even notice you or I?   Because He is God.   God cares about each of us.

        When you  feel lost and alone, remember--God is there for you.  Yes, you specifically.  You are important.   God may be a big God, but we each are big in His eyes.  When no one else seems to care about you then remember that God does.   You are never alone.

Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.  Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

1 Peter 5:6-7

New International Version (NIV)

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What to Do When You're Feeling Down?

Dove of the Holy Spirit (ca. 1660, alabaster, Throne of St. Peter, St. Peter's Basilica, Vatican) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

But I trust in your unfailing love;
    my heart rejoices in your salvation.
6 I will sing the Lord’s praise,
    for he has been good to me.

Psalm 13:5-6

New International Version (NIV)

       I know I have a great deal in my life for which to be thankful.   How about you?

       In times of sickness and adversity my earthly self may wonder why God has let me come to the point where I am.   My prayers may seem to go unanswered.   Time can seem like it might last forever when things are bad.   And then I remember what forever is in God's terms.

       Blessings in my life have been far more abundant than hardships.  Many have had things far worse than I have.  My life has been easy compared to what it might have been.  In part I have the faith of my fathers to thank for my good life.  My earthly father, my grandparents, and those ancestors of whom I have only heard and never known.   Their faithfulness has been passed down to my generation and hopefully to the generations that may be yet to come in my family line.

        Then there is my own faithfulness.  Sometimes I have been weak and rebellious.  And there have been more sins than I want to admit.  But our God has provided me salvation in the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.   For God has loved you and me so much that he forgives us when we come to him in repentance. 

       God has been good to us all and we should rejoice in that.   Let us bow before Him and let His Will be done in us.  The earthly realm will take its tolls on us, but God will give us our greatest rewards.

Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your cares upon Him, for He careth for you.  

1 Peter 5:6-7

21st Century King James Version (KJ21)

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If You Are Depressed

A depressed man sitting on a bench (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Wait for the Lord;
    be strong and take heart
    and wait for the Lord.

Psalm 27:14

New International Version (NIV)

       There seem to be many depressed people these days.  No small wonder when we consider the condition of the disintegrating family unit and the alienation felt by many people in our society.   Job loss, fear,  loneliness, and financial pressures are just a few of the situations that burden many and lead them to become depressed.

        Depressed people may turn to psychiatry, support groups, self-help programs, or New Age philosophies to help lift them out of the slumps they have fallen into.  They may look for the quick fix solutions to be found in drugs--prescription or otherwise.  Many try to lift themselves out of the depths with sex, partying, fast thrills, spendthrift shopping, exotic adventures, or a myriad of entertainment offerings.  These attempts to heal the depressed state may help for the short-term, but soon the depressed state returns.  Depression is deep within and is not eradicated until it is attacked at the very root of the matter.

        God doesn't mean for us to be depressed.  Depression is an unnatural state that is not a product of goodness.  Sin can lead to depression.  A lack of faith can steal away our joy.  Look to the source of life--the One who created us.  Be patient.  Pray.  Meditate.  Depression will be gone if you let God take it from you.  Accept the joy because that's what God wants for you.

Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

1 Peter 5:7

New International Version (NIV)

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Why Doesn't God Do Something?

...what is mankind that you are mindful of them,
    human beings that you care for them?
Psalm 8:4

New International Version (NIV)

         When we look at the troubles that we have or the grander scale of the troubles in our world, we might be tempted to ask why God allows our suffering and sorrow.  It's a common question among believers and a taunt from those who mock God.  If God truly has all the power that He is said to have, then why does he allow the bad things to keep happening?

         Why indeed!  Since we are not God, we cannot understand all of his ways.  We humans want reasons for everything.   We want easy answers and sure solutions.  This is also something that we often don't get.  Life is complex!   And if our little lives are so complex, imagine the great complexity of the boundless eternal God Creator.  

         We can't even figure out why others or even we ourselves do some of the things we do.  Things that happen in our lives are partly due to consequences of our own actions or the actions of others.  Many of the bad things that happen are preventable, but hindsight is usually the instructor in those cases.  Do we learn from our mistakes?

         Troubles, tragedy, pain, and suffering are all a part of life.  God's hand may not always be evident, but He is there.  We are His people, not His puppets.  If He intervenes, He has His reasons.  If He does not step in to stop a bad thing, then in that instance as well He has His reasons.

         Let God be God in His time as we live in our time.  Our time with God will come in due time and then perhaps our questions can be answered.

Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.  Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

1 Peter 5:6-7

New International Version (NIV)

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Patiently Waiting

The Earth seen from Apollo 17. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Your love, Lord, reaches to the heavens,
    your faithfulness to the skies.
Psalm 36:5

New International Version (NIV)

          I've looked heavenward on dark silent nights pondering the unending blanket of stars above  me, wondering when, oh when, I will be face to face with you God.  In the vastness of the universe and even this world I feel small, lost, and forgotten.  But I know you are here with me always.  I feel your presence in the quiet of night.  I sense your being in the busyness of the big city bustle.  You were there when I've needed you in the past and I know you will not abandon me in whatever future I have left on this Earth.

        Your love is forever.  I know that.   Forgive my weaknesses and my foolish ways.  You know me.  I want to know you better.  I praise you for all the blessings in my life.  You are great, oh God!  I thank you for caring for me and the faithful love and mercy you show to all who will see.

Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.   Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

1 Peter 5:6-7

New International Version (NIV)

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