At our Bible study this morning we talked quite a bit about what is transpiring in our country today as crime escalates, sexual immorality runs rampant, church attendance declines, and the trust level in our government spirals downward. What are we to think? How are we to act? More so, what are we to do in retaliation against these kinds of negative aspects within our nation?
King David was dealing with all types of negative forces in his life as he tried to maintain a positive outlook and hold on to some aspect of hope. In Psalm 27 this man of God shares his deep feelings and emotional struggles as he tries to overcome the challenges that are confronting him from all sides. Hear these words of encouragement and faithfulness.
“The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid.” The Psalmist goes on to say, “One thing have I asked of the Lord, that I will seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to inquire in His temple. For He will hide me in His shelter in the day of trouble; He will conceal me under the cover of His tent; He will lift me high upon a rock.” And He finishes this Psalm with these words, “I believe that I shall look upon the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living! Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!” Psalm 27:1, 4-5
So, the question for us to address in all of this is: What can we do during these difficult times in America and throughout the world as God’s people? Trust in the Lord! Realize He is still in control. Lift up our prayers to Him, while calling upon His mercy and seeking His help. Ask for God’s guidance and direction in how we should be battling against the evil one and his work in this world. Be people of great courage knowing the Lord goes before us into battle. And, wait for the Lord, be strong, and wait for the Lord! Pastor McCarty