In Him

For in Him we live and move and have our being.

(Acts 17:28, NIV)

God created us to have relationship with Him. This is the primary purpose of our existence. If our relationship with God remains unfulfilled, our souls are disjointed and out of alignment. We are like orphans, never feeling the love and stability of a real home.  We long for a sense of belonging, of being loved by God. Our emptiness does not get filled even though we may try to pack it full of work, relationships, entertainment, non-stop activities, volunteering, or anything else that provides a distraction. We flee from those still, quiet moments when loneliness might break through to the surface, for lonely is what we are, lonely for the God who created us. Only He can satisfy the empty void in our souls...if we are still and seek Him. “Be still and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10, ESV)

Living in this troubled world, we may experience shattered dreams, one failed relationship after another, destroyed friendships, and at times, terse and unloving interactions with those around us. Our whole demeanor cries out, “Deep down I am miserable and I want you to be too.” Yet, Jesus speaks peace to our souls, “Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” (Matthew 11:29, ESV).

There is no true peace apart from Jesus. It is He who indwells and satisfies our souls, infusing us with His love and life. “I have come as Light into the world, so that everyone who believes in Me will not remain in darkness.” (John 12:46, NASB)

In Him was life, and the life was the Light of men.

(John 1:4, ESV)

Perfect Love Casts Out Fear

There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear.
1 John 4:18, ESV

Loving and trusting God is essential in these uncertain times. We need not fear. The God who created heaven and earth is still in control. He has not abandoned us, but stands ready to help.

The Lord watches over you —

the Lord is your shade at your right hand;

the sun will not harm you by day,

nor the moon by night.

The Lord will keep you from all harm —

he will watch over your life;

the Lord will watch over your coming and going

both now and forevermore.

Psalm 121:5-8, NIV

We are in the Lord's hands, regardless of the situation. Before we were even born, God appointed the length of our days.  He knows every single detail about us. 

Your eyes saw my unformed body.

All the days ordained for me

were written in your book

before one of them came to be.

Psalm 139:16, NIV

To trust in God’s goodness is to rest in His love, secure in the knowledge He is by our side. He loves us, guides us, and upholds us through all the pain and loss of this life. We may safely put our trust Him as He works in and through circumstances to strengthen and shape us.

When we are tempted to fear or react negatively during these trying times, we need only to pause, look up, worship and adore our Sustainer Creator; then we will feel the peace that passes all understanding and rest content and secure as a sleeping baby in their mother’s arms. He is with us.

Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.

Joshua 1:9, NASB