God is in Control

"The Lord sat as King at the flood;
Yes, the Lord sits as King forever."
Psalm29:10

What was the worst disaster that ever happened upon the earth to mankind?  The flood, the deluge, the total destruction of a race of people and animals except for those who found safety on the ark.  Volcanoes, tsunamis, earthquakes, flooding, the total upheaval of the earth, and death.  Death all around for those who were wicked and would not put their faith in God.  And yet, God sat as King at the flood, and sits as King forever.  "How is that comforting?" you might ask.  As a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ, we do not need to fear.  We will be rescued from the final holocaust of Revelation.  We can, even now, find a refuge in God.  He is our refuge and strength, our very present help in times of trouble. (Psalm 46:1-3)  He will send an "ark" of safety.

Right now your disaster may be a sick child, a hurting spouse, a rebellious child, an unforgiving friend, or grief over a death.  These are all big!  These all bring hurt and grief and anguish.  But, our God is bigger!!!  He is on His throne and He has not forgotten you or yours.  He sits as King forever.  My husband only gets sick about once every three or four years.  He has been sick for several days now, but is on the mend.  He mentioned this morning that sickness always reminds him that he is not in control!  Sometimes we need to remember that, so that we remember who is in control! 

We do not live for the present age like the participants in the Old Covenant, but rather, we live with hope in a future age.  "But for you who fear my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings; and you will go forth and skip about like calves from the stall."  (Malachi 4:2)  Our hope is in Jesus and His return and His forever kingdom.  Right now we are living in a time of tribulations and troubles.  As Christians we should expect to be hated.  But, our Jesus is there to go through life with us.  He will never leave us or forsake us. (Hebrews 13:5)  And oh, the rest and joy and comfort that He can bring in the midst!

Remember friend, that tears and weeping may be yours for the moment, but great joy will come in the morning. 

Hint for the Day: Teach your kids that hard times come with life.  As Christians we are not "above" the consequences of sin in this world.  But, we are not alone.  Remind them of a time when they were sick.  You could not take it away from them, but you were there through it with them.  That is the example they need to have to realize that in the same way, Jesus will be there with them through everything!  Use times of family misfortune to seek God.  Be an example through prayer and praise.  Teach your kids to see God's hands in every situation.  And remember to remind them that God loves us even in hard times.  He is always good.  He will always use every situation for our good - either here on earth or for eternity.