Natural Bridge State Resort Park, Slade, Kentucky
I am the LORD, and there is no other; apart from Me there is no God. I will strengthen you, though you have not acknowledged Me, so that from the rising of the sun to the place of its setting men may know there is none besides Me. ~ Isaiah 45:5-6
As Covid season drags on and on and on and . . . . . in addition to all the other trials of this world, I thought it would be a good idea to briefly remind ourselves what God’s Word tells us about such things.
It’s normal to worry some, but where is the line between being concerned about someone or something and worrying about it? I think it’s normal to voice your opinion, but where is the line between voicing that opinion and allowing anger and yes, even hatred to grow in your heart? Both things can consume our thoughts, focusing on a lot of ‘what ifs’ and/or ‘if onlys’, and can even make us sick, including but not limited to, loss of appetite and sleep. They can cause us to behave irrationally and even more importantly, sinfully.
God’s plan for His people is to glorify Him. (In Him we were also chosen . . . in order that we . . .might be for the praise of His glory. ~ Ephesians 1:11-12) So what does that mean? It means that when people look at us, and the things we say and do, they should see God’s influence.
If we’re worrying to the point that it consumes our thoughts, we’re not trusting God and His infinite wisdom, mercy and love. If we, as believers, can’t find it in ourselves to trust Him, then how can others? (May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. ~ Romans 15:13) As Christ-followers, we are to believe that everything in life is under God’s sovereignty (Absolute authority and rule). That means everything – from the smallest of details in each of our lives (And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. ~ Matthew 10:30), to pandemics (He took up our infirmities and carried our diseases. ~ Matthew 8:17), to the people in authority over us. (Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. ~ Romans 13:1. And Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? ~ Matthew 6:27) God is, and will always be, in control.
If we’re consumed with thoughts of anger, and spew angry words, or dislike or even hate, what does that say about a God who is Love, and calls us to love? If we, as believers can’t find it in ourselves to love, then how can others? (Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. Whoever loves God must also love his brother. ~ I John 4:8, 21) Our pastor once shared this definition of love – – It is a commitment to actions seeking the well-being of another, characterized by a willingness to forfeit one’s rights or privileges for the sake of another. For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. ~ John 3:16.
Talk about forfeiting your rights or privileges for the sake of another!
Trust and Love. This is what we’re called to as Christ-followers. It’s not easy, but it’s God’s will for us.
I thought we were going to chill for a week. You know, recoup from the past six weeks? But noooo . . . Blaine had to go and do what he always does, and found us a spot with gorgeous scenery and lots of nature to immerse ourselves into.
However, it’s looking like we will have no choice but to stay inside on Thursday. That’s when the forces of nature are supposed to come barreling through our area, dropping 2-4 inches of rain. Sounds like a good day for my special homemade chai tea blend!
Back to today’s events, where we drove 378 miles in almost 7 hours today, which included a stop for fuel and a quick burger. The drive was uneventful, except for the fall colors brightening our dreary, moisty day. About an hour into our drive though, we saw this –
So awful! We offered a quick prayer as we passed by. It didn’t look good.
There were 4-5 of them in a row!
We’re parked kinda in a hole for the next week. Satellite works, but the local channels are only in SD, and we have extended internet, which means it works, but only on occasion, and then, only slowly. Not sure how I’ll keep up on my posts . . . . Sigh . . . . We’ll see. Maybe it won’t be so bad.
And that’s all I have for today. Tomorrow, we’ll take a short exploratory hike in the State Park.