Every week on Saturday morning, I meet with a group of men for prayer. It has been an enriching experience in many ways. This past week one of the brothers shared three biblical principles with us as a way of encouraging us to navigate the times we are living in. Here are the three truths for your encouragement.
1. Be careful who you listen to
There is so much that is being said: some good, some bad, some true and some false. When there is a crisis, and there is a lot of uncertainty, what and who you listen to may determine how you handle yourself and may influence your perspective on matters. In Psalm one, the contrast between the wicked man and the righteous man boils down to who and what they listen to. There are voices you should block out and their people who should not have your audience. But just as important as listening to the right voices in our lives. Bad company corrupts, that is not only true for teenagers, but it is also true of adults. Be careful who you listen to, during these times.
2. Do not stop working hard
Yes, there are uncertainties. Several issues should be a source of concern for all of us, politically, economically, socially and spiritually. However, we should be wary of the paralysis of analysis. Our fears should not cripple us and plunge us into inactivity. Some respond to a crisis by panicking and overreact, and others are gripped with fear and stop functioning. Ecclesiastes (11:3-4) warns us of the danger of waiting for ‘our’ ideal time to act and looking to signs before fulfilling our responsibility. Do what you need to do and do it faithfully and diligently.
3. Trust in the Lord
Thy that trust in the Lord are not moved or shaken. Their anchor is cast firmly deep in the steadfast love of the Lord. The storms of life hit them, but they are unwavering, they keep their eyes on the Lord. It’s easy to trust in God when all is well. It is a different ball game, on the other hand, to believe in the wisdom, love and power of God when life is in disarray. It is in the moment of crisis that our beliefs are tested and exposed. Heed the admonishment of scripture, trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge him and he will direct your path (Pro 3:5-6).
So, whatever situation you are in and whatever is going in your life. Whatever you decide to do or not to do. Make sure you carefully chose who you listen to, keep working hard and trust in the Lord your God. And we can be confident of this one thing, that the Lord will direct our ways.
Comments