It is difficult in these days to be optimistic. It is difficult to be kind. Sometimes, it is downright difficult to smile. Sometimes, we just want to take our coffee, run out the door, and keep running.
I have heard so many cry out and ask why Jesus has not come yet. Still others have said they just can’t wait until He comes so we can be rid of all these problems and not have to deal with the evil that is among us any longer.
I have recently tried memorizing verses again. Okay. This week was my first real attempt. I did not even know that was what my goal was until I saw the two verses.
In the fear of the LORD one has strong confidence, and His children will have a refuge. The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, that one may turn away from the snares of death.
(Proverbs 14:26-27 ESV)
I have written this verse almost every day and tried to incorporate it into my comprehension of GOD and the current state of the world.
I have also begun rereading the Word of GOD and I started at the beginning. I am rereading Genesis with a new perspective. This morning I completed the text and as I read about Joseph and his statement to his brothers, I pondered about GOD’s sovereignty.
So, Joseph was sold by his brothers into slavery to another nation because they were jealous. I continued to read and saw how GOD worked everything out. GOD used their jealousy to ultimately save His chosen people.
Joseph had faith in his GOD that he would be okay. He did not give up hope. Joseph lived my memory verse.
In the fear of the LORD one has strong confidence, and His children will have a refuge. The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, that one may turn away from the snares of death.
(Proverbs 14:26-27 ESV)
I know that in this day and age, we (at least I know I am) tired of politics and the weird occurrences that have become so prevalent. I am weary of backbiting and anger and yet, I find myself drawn into the crazy.
I no longer know if my anger is righteous or just flat-out frustration. I hear the edge in my voice and the lack of love for the world and my heart breaks. I know I am not living according to GOD’s laws.
Still, I know I am commanded to love and forgive. My heart hurts and I have to keep praying for a pure heart and a willingness to forgive. I worry that I am not strong enough to stand in these times.
Now, imagine my frustration at all these things and then reading about some poor kid whose brothers were jealous of him because he had the misfortune of being loved the most by his father.
And we know that for those who love GOD all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.
(Romans 8:28 ESV)
Joseph lived according to GOD’s law and rose above the ranks in Egypt. When his family came seeking help, Joseph did not repay evil with evil. Yes, he messed with their heads. He wanted to ensure their hearts had changed. Ultimately, I think, he wanted to see his family, his father especially and he knew that without manipulating his brothers, he would never see his father again.
He wanted his family to be alive and to know that he could be useful even after his heart was broken by the evil of this world.
The Bible is full of stories like this. GOD uses the evil to show the world His power and love. GOD does not waste an experience. He uses our brokenness to change us and teach us to rely wholly on Him.
In the fear of the LORD one has strong confidence, and His children will have a refuge. The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, that one may turn away from the snares of death.
(Proverbs 14:26-27 ESV)
I implore you to focus on being a light of love in this dark world. Focus on GOD and let His words and law show you how to live. The word fear is a focus on obedience to His laws and trusting Him with all of your being.
Heavenly Father,
Help us to rely wholly upon You.
You are our strength, our redeemer, our
light in these dark times.
Renew our hearts and help us to love others.
Help us to love and forgive those who persecute us.
Guide us into Your perfect will.
Fill us with Your Holy Spirit,
let Him overflow in our lives.
May You guard our hearts, thoughts, and actions.
Father, we need You.
We pray and ask all these things
in the name of our Messiah, Jesus.
Amen
Shalom
Finding Purpose 
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