My dear readers,
1 Ushering in the “Pig Year”
From all indications, the outlook for the rest of 2007 should be good, barring some unexpected mishap. But our security does not depend on “indicators” and men’s forecasts; rather we look, as always, to the Lord for clear direction. On earth, men’s projected “peace and prosperity” are transient commodities which cannot ensure lasting security.
To all our readers, I say, “Trust in the LORD … delight thyself also in the LORD … Commit thy way unto the LORD … Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him…” (Ps 37:3-7 ). Our assurance is that He will lead us to a secure future, as our Good Shepherd “… to lie down in green pastures …beside still waters and paths of righteousness for his name’s sake” (Ps 23:2 , 3 ).
Trust not in pig or any other creature; our security is in the Lord our God, for He hath said, “I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee” (Heb 13:5 ), and “I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye” (Ps 32:8 ).
Our article from the Bible League of America continues this week.
2 Prayer
Prayer is a precious privilege. Through prayer you may find relief from anxiety and fear. Through prayer you may find fellowship with God and enjoy a blessed peace. But sometimes you may be too sick to pray, or too tired. Or it may seem that God isn’t listening. Or you hardly know what to pray for. What then? Then it’s good to know that many others are praying for you. Loved ones, family, friends are lifting you up in prayer before God. And Jesus Himself continues to pray for you in Heaven itself. And the Holy Spirit, too, who knows all your needs, presents them perfectly before you Father in heaven.
“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Phil 4:6-7 ).
3 Patience
For many people life is so terribly busy. Perhaps it is for you too. There simply isn’t enough time to do everything you would like to do. Then sickness or setback comes. And with it come frustration and irritation, because you are no longer the master of your own affairs. You are simply no longer in control. You need help. Sickness or setback therefore gives you an opportunity to learn patience. God Himself sometimes lovingly slows you down a bit from the frenzied pace of your normal life. He gives you the opportunity to look up, to look up to Him, to start talking with Him again, to take a new look into His Word. Patience! Don’t be so restless! Try to make the most of this interruption in your life. Learn to wait on the Lord!
“I waited patiently for the LORD; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry. He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings.: And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the LORD” (Psa 40:1-3 ).
“I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me” (Phil 4:12-13 ).
4 Loneliness
Some people are very lonely. They do not have to learn patience. Nothing ever seems to happen, so they are never in a hurry. They always wait and no one ever seems to come. Maybe you are like that. Or maybe you are like that now. You expected a lot of visitors, but hardly anyone comes. Or even if some do come, there are still so many hours when you are alone. And it hurts to be lonely. It can hurt as much as the sickness does, and even a lot more! God understands those hurts, and He cares about them. He wants to help you in your loneliness. He wants you to know Him as a Friend. There may still be times of loneliness for you. But if God is truly your Friend, you will never be alone.
“And the LORD, he it is that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed” (Deut 31:8 ).
“Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest” (Jos 1:9 ).
“He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him” (Psalm 91:15 ).
“Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness” (Isa 41:10 ).
“And even to your old age I am he; and even to hoar hairs will I carry you: I have made, and I will bear; even I will carry, and will deliver you” (Isa 46:4 ).
5 Learning
Being sick is rarely enjoyable. But it may give you an opportunity to learn some precious new truths, or to re-learn some old ones. For example, you may have forgotten just how much you depend on God – for everything! Or perhaps you were starting to take your health and strength for granted. You just assumed that you would always be well, that sickness would always be for others. Or you may have been neglecting some very important things in your life – your relationship to your family, or to your friends, or to your God. Or you may simply not have taken enough time to think about the meaning and purpose of your life. And now you have the opportunity to think. Illness is a time for learning!
“My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing” (Jas 1:2-4 ).
“For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness.: Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby” (Heb 12:10-11 ).
“Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ” (1 Pet 1:6-7 ). (To be continued …)
Lovingly in the Lord
Dr SH Tow, Senior Pastor