Have you had moments where you felt as if you safely fled from a bear only to come face to face with a lion? You know, you finally get out of one bad situation only to find yourself quickly in another one. You find yourself wondering which way to turn.

No matter how you choose to describe it, there are times when life just seems to be a constant uphill battle. Trouble seems to track you down, no matter how hard you work to hide from it. Trouble comes at us from all directions. It comes in many shapes and sizes, in a variety of colors. Sometimes we find trouble. Other times, trouble finds us. A sense of isolation often accompanies trouble. We wonder if anyone sees us, or even cares.

No matter where trouble is located, or whether it finds us or we find it, God is an always present God. In Psalm 139, David considers the truth that his God, who is our God, is present everywhere, and there is no corner or dark space hidden from Him. Click here to read what David wrote about this ever-present, everywhere God.

When Joshua needed a boost of confidence, taking over the reins upon the death of Moses, probably wondering if trouble (or how much) was ahead, Yahweh said this to him – “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9). This was the third time Joshua was challenged by God to be strong and courageous (see verses 6 and 7).

We find these words in Isaiah 41:10 – “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

Zephaniah, one of the twelve minor prophets, said this amid his warning Judah and encouraging the people to repent – “The LORD your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing” (3:17).

And now the very familiar words of Psalm 23 (ESV), in which we find our Good Shepherd caring for us day in and day out, in life or in death, in times of plenty or want, in times of trouble or safety, in and though every situation that comes our way. Here I have broken down the six verses of this beautiful psalm into seventeen digestible pieces. I encourage you to read one at a time. Pause after each one, sit quietly, asking God to reveal the promise offered to you in and through the words you just read. Then move on to the next one, or instead, maybe do one a day for seventeen days.    

The LORD is my shepherd

I shall not want

He makes me lie down in green pastures

He leads me beside quiet waters

He restores my soul

He guides me in paths of righteousness

For his name’s sake

Even though I walk through the valley of death

I will fear no evil

 For you are with me

Your rod and your staff, they comfort me

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies

You anoint my head with oil

 My cup overflows

Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life

And I will dwell in the house of the LORD

Forever

So, today, and every day, even when it seems like all you do is flee from a bear only to be confronted by a lion, have comfort, have assurance, that God is right there with you, ready to fight with you and for you. Let me end by sharing these words of hope found in Deuteronomy 20:1-4. 

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Have you ever been asked to do something one way, but you decided to do it another? In college I had a track coach who was an All-American a few years earlier in the event he was coaching me in. He wanted me and a teammate to train a certain way, push ourselves with extremely hard workouts, but we didn’t like that regimen, so we did it our own way, and most likely never lived up to our potential. Well, at least me not reaching my potential, since this particular teammate was also a great football player and played professional football for a number of years.

We are disobedient people. We do not like to be told what to do and when to do it, even if those requests are for our own good and in our best interests. There are consequences to our actions, and sometimes those consequences are negative to not just us, but to our loved ones as well. 

You might be familiar with a story in the Old Testament in which Jonah was asked by God to go to the wicked city of Nineveh and bring the people there to repentance (Jonah 1:1-2). That didn’t sound like a good idea to Jonah. He apparently didn’t believe the Ninevites would listen to him, nor did he want to see God extend mercy to those people. So, rather than obeying God, Jonah jumped on the next boat heading out of town, literally. He boarded a ship headed to the Tarshish (1:3). Compared to the dangers of going to Nineveh, this ship offered freedom and liberation as it sailed on the expanses of the wide open Mediterranean Sea. The lure of the unknown beckoned Jonah. Have you ever found yourself in that place?  

During the voyage, the ship encountered a storm (1:4-6) and the sailors cast lots to see who was responsible for this storm endangering them (1:7). The story tells us that it was determined that Jonah was the cause of the storm, so to save their own lives, the sailors threw Jonah overboard (1:8-16).

But Jonah did not drown. It is likely that he bobbed up and down in the waters before being swallowed by a big fish and was in his belly for three days and three nights (1:17). While in the fish, Jonah cries out to God, pleading and begging, then ultimately praising God for sparing his life (Ch. 2) So, this fish really saved Jonah’s life. Even in our disobedience, God rescues us. That does not mean there will not be consequences, but in God’s sovereignty and loving care, he saves us.

The story goes on to tell us that after being vomited out of the fish’s mouth, Jonah did eventually go to Nineveh where he caused them to turn from their wicked ways, and in doing so God did not bring destruction on the land (Ch. 3). But by the tone of the text, it appears that Jonah did not seem too happy to be doing this task; he was obedient in action but with a disapproving heart (Ch. 4)

The entire book of Jonah is referenced above, in piecemeal fashion. To read it in its entirety, click here.  

Let me digress for a moment. Throughout history, there has been much debate about the legitimacy of this story. A man swallowed by a fish. Come on, you can’t be serious. Is it historical? Is it allegory? Or is it simply myth? Let me provide what I see as some clarity. It comes straight from Jesus. In Matthew 12:38-41, Jesus, when rebuking the scribes and Pharisees insistence for a “miracle on demand,” references Jonah. Click here to read that interaction.

Now consider the possibility that Jesus appears to accept the story of Jonah as an accurate description of a real and historical event. He not only included the fact that Jonah spent three days in the belly of the fish, but also stated that the city of Nineveh repented at the preaching of Jonah. And also consider this – if the story of Jonah were simply allegory or myth, then Jesus’ point about being in the heart (belly) of the earth for three days and nights just as Jonah was in the belly of the fish for three days and nights would seem to be nonsensical. If Jonah was never really in the belly of the fish, then what would that say about Jesus’ claim of being in the belly of the earth? You be the judge.

Okay, let me ask you – Have you ever found yourself bobbing up and down in the water, or maybe worse yet, metaphorically speaking, in the belly of a big fish?

Do you serve God only when it is convenient? Do you obey Him but mumble under your breath? Or do you serve and obey God even when it isn’t convenient, even when you really don’t want to do whatever it is that He is asking of you?  

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I think you will agree that living in the world today is not for the faint of heart. While you have family and friends to love and protect you, there is also an endless supply of enemies ready to trip you up; to use language of today, to “eat you alive.”

Those enemies, they are not just serial bombers, terrorists, child molesters, murderers, or an abusive family member. They can also be an unsupportive boss, self-centered relative, or even that person who isn’t really “bad,” you know, that someone who just gets under your skin. [News flash – each of us is that person to someone too.]

Those enemies, they can be corporations that prey on the weak. Those enemies, they are broken or unrealized dreams. Those enemies, they are also death of a loved one, depression, addiction, financial crises, and things like cancer, heart attacks, dementia, and a myriad of other health-related issues, even pandemics. Those enemies, they are sometimes the “what-ifs” that keep you up at night, robbing you of a good night’s sleep. And enemies, they can be things like hurricanes, tornadoes or fires that destroy most or all your possessions, leaving you literally holding an empty bag, tears streaming down your face with the painful reality of starting over.

Whoever, or whatever, the enemy is, the pain and suffering is real, and when we don’t think we have a place to “hide,” the threat seems to close in on us. And I urge you, if you are under attack, physical, emotional, or otherwise, please take whatever steps needed to seek shelter and safety!

Today, I want to offer you these words of comfort, the words of King David, found in the first six verses of Psalm 27.

v.1 – The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life; of whom, shall I be afraid?

v.2 – When evildoers assail me to eat up my flesh, my adversaries and foes, it is they who stumble and fall.

v.3 – Though an army encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; though war arise against me, yet I will be confident.

v.4 – One thing I have asked of the LORD, that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to inquire in his temple.

v.5 – For he will hide me in his shelter in the day of trouble; he will conceal me under the cover of his tent; he will lift me high on a rock.

v.6 – And now my head shall be lifted up above my enemies around me, and I will offer in his tent sacrifices with shouts of joy; I will sing and make melody to the LORD.

So, will you allow those six verses, that never-ending promise from Almighty God, to penetrate your heart, allowing it to reside deep within your soul, giving you shelter, concealed safely in a tent, in your day of trouble?

(Assignment: Read Psalm 46 and 91!)

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We are creatures of habit. Habits help us through our day. We can do a similar task without having to be fully engaged in that habit easier than when we are doing something “out of the norm.”

Think about your morning routine. What are the things you do every morning? Is it a well-rehearsed routine or is each morning a different adventure? In our house, since we are not trying to get kids up and ready, the weekday morning routine is the same almost every day. There is an occasional day that looks different, but normally not much deviation. Our weekend morning routine follows a different pattern than during the week, but those two mornings don’t change much week to week either.

Mornings are an important time of day. Before facing the day, before our feet hit the floor, we should have a routine of looking into the face of God. We should begin each day seeking God and His strength; the strength we will need to do whatever it is we will be doing that day. We should not begin the work or leisure of the day until we have had a few quiet moments with God. Speaking from experience, this wake-up time with God is not a guarantee that the day will go bump-free, but rather, it does give us what we need to take on anything and everything that comes our way.

Today I want to look at Exodus 32. To give some context for this section of scripture – Moses had gone up Mount Sinai to meet with God and receive two tablets which contained the Ten Commandments (Exodus 19:1-24:18). Chapter 32 picks up that story, interrupted for a few chapters (25-31) in which we read about the Tabernacle. This chapter (32) contrasts two very different images – the presence of God on the mountain and the utter depravity of the people on the desert floor. As Moses comes down off the mountain, he can hardly believe what he sees. The Israelites were falsely worshipping a golden calf. Not only that, but they were also dancing and having a jolly old time doing so.

He had just pled with the Lord to preserve his people, despite their rebellion and disobedience, and as he came down from meeting with God, what he saw made him quite angry. So much so, that he broke the two tablets containing the Law. The breaking of the tablets symbolized the breaking of God’s covenant by the people. Moses also quickly broke up the calf and put an end to the festivities. I encourage you to read this story in its entirety. Click here to find the full text.  

After Moses broke the first two tablets in a fit of rage (32:19), God instructed him to chisel out two new ones and meet with him. Here is what we read in Exodus 34:1-3 – “The LORD said to Moses, ‘Chisel out two new stone tablets like the first ones, and I will write on them the words that whereon the first tablets, which you broke. Be ready in the morning, and then come up on Mount Sinai. Present yourself to me there on the top of the mountain. No one is to come with you or be seen anywhere on the mountain; not even the flocks and herds may graze in the front of the mountain.” 

Notice what God said to Moses. He wanted time alone, just He and Moses, first thing in the morning, before his feet hit the floor.

Jesus was known to get up early in the morning to spend time with His Father. We find this in Mark 1:35 – “Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.”

And David, in Psalm 5, looks for a crack of dawn encounter with God. In v.3 we see these words – “In the morning, LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly.”

So, why not have a morning routine that begins, before your feet hit the floor, with an appointment with God! By doing so, you can have a day influenced by His character and under His control!  

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You are an understudy in your school’s musical while playing a small non-speaking role, sort of lost in the ensemble. Suddenly, the day before the opening night, the lead actor comes down with laryngitis, and you step in and “steal the show.” Years later, you look back on that “perfect timing” moment as the launching pad for a career in theater that has taken you places you never imagined going. Did you know the difference between an “understudy” and a “standby” is that the understudy most often has a small part in the play and steps up to the lead role if the lead cannot perform whereas the standby is specifically “standing by” in case the lead cannot perform, otherwise not having any part in the play.  

We vacation at the beach every summer. One of my favorite things to do is get up and watch the sunrise from our hotel balcony. When we were there just a few weeks ago, I got up early all seven mornings. While each morning’s sunrise is uniquely beautiful, some are more spectacular than others. On one particular morning, just for a brief moment, a perfectly round and bright orange sun looked as if it was floating on the ocean’s surface. I took a picture at just the right time, allowing me to capture that moment.  

We sit out on our back patio most evenings before going to bed. It is a nice way to unwind as we sit quietly without distractions. In case you haven’t noticed, staying on your devices until bedtime is not the best way to settle your heart, mind, soul. Several nights ago, as we sat outside reading, the sun was setting just as a few rain droplets fell from the dark clouds. For just for an instant, the sky was stunning. Again, I seemed to snap a picture at just the perfect time.

Timing is everything. Sometimes it works to our advantage, other times, to our detriment. God’s timing, on the other hand, always works out best for us. In the first book of the Bible, Genesis, as Abraham and Sarah waited and waited for God to fulfill His promise of a child, they most likely had doubts about God’s promise to them. We read in Genesis 18:13-14 these words – “Then the LORD said to Abraham, ‘Why did Sarah laugh and say, Will I really have a child, now that I am old?’ Is anything too hard for the LORD? I will return to you at the appointed time next year, and Sarah will have a son.”

A few chapters later we read – “Now the LORD was gracious to Sarah as he had said, and the LORD did for Sarah what he has promised. Sarah became pregnant and bore a son to Abraham in his old age, at the very time God has promised.” (21:1-2)

Notice the key words in that passage – “at the very time God has promised.” God’s timing is perfect, but we must learn to wait for His timing, and trust that He will do things “at the very time” He promises.

Despite Abraham making a few missteps along the way, and at times doubting God’s timing and promise, God kept His promise and blessed Abraham with a son from whom the lineage of Jesus would come. The certainty of God’s promises are made clear to us in Hebrews 6:13-15, When God made his promise to Abraham, since there was no one greater than him to swear by, he swore by himself, saying, “I will surely bless you and give you many descendants.” And so after waiting patiently, Abraham received what was promised. 

So today, do you, or maybe better asked, will you seek God’s way and wait for His timing? (Read Psalm 130:5-6, Isaiah 40:28-31, Micah 7:7) His timing is perfect, always at just the right time.  

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Prelude: I am talking to myself in this writing. If you would like to listen in, keep reading. Maybe it will be of some encouragement to you as well.

I don’t know about you, but from my vantage point, the world is spinning faster and faster. Dizzyingly fast. At times, it is hard to hold things together. The image that comes to mind is of that piece of playground equipment we all loved, until we didn’t. Yes, you guessed it, the merry-go-round. Everyone jumped on and invariably one kid always yelled “faster!” Soon, it was spinning faster and faster and the centrifugal force was trying to throw you off, but you hung on to the handles ever so tightly.

Everything around you became blurry. The coins that you had planned to use to buy a candy bar from the apothecary flew out of your pocket and landed somewhere on the ground. After the merry-go-round finally came to a stop you were dizzy, disoriented, and maybe even a little sick in your stomach. What you ate for breakfast was dangerously close to coming back up. But soon you got back on that merry-go-round, once again going faster.

Due to the stroke I suffered in 2021, I find it challenging to hold things together. My brain gets easily overstimulated. Environments with lots of activity, oh my, not my brain’s favorite thing. Nor does it like sudden noises or movements. Change in plans and the unexpected create consternation. I am continuing to learn new ways to compensate for my neurological and cognitive deficiencies. It is a journey that I will be on for whatever time I have left on this earth.

Thankfully, though, I don’t have to hold it together alone. I have family and friends who help keep me from spinning too fast or too often. And even better, I have a God who, through Jesus and the Spirit, is the best glue known to mankind. Before I go further, can I offer this – with God the Father as the initiator of faith, through Jesus Christ as the implementer of that faith, and by the Holy Spirit as the faith energizer, we are in good hands, the absolute best hands possible.

In Colossians 1:15-20, we find seven “all” statements, each pertaining to Jesus. Let me quickly mention five, then dive deeper into the other two. Notice three right out of the gate: Jesus is the image of God and the firstborn of all creation (v.15), in him all things were created (v.16a), and all things were created through and for him (v.16b). These six verses end with two more: all of God’s fullness dwells in Jesus (v.19), and Jesus is the agent for all salvation (v.20). Just those promises alone should give us great comfort as we journey through life.

But, today, let me focus on the final two “alls,” both found in v.17 – “He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.” Elsewhere, we find similar words. Among other things, Hebrews 1:3 tells that Jesus “upholds the universe by the word of his power.”

These powerful and true “all” statements bring to the forefront the supremacy, centrality, and preeminence (surpass all others) of Jesus. His involvement in creation is exhaustive. He holds not just you and me, but all of mankind, together. Everything in the world, history, present, future, it is all upheld by Jesus.

When things are orderly and when things are spinning out of control, or anywhere in between, there is never a single day, never a single moment in time, that Jesus does not hold things together. Right now, and always, even if it does not feel like it, you are being wonderfully held together. Let that promise of God penetrate your deepest places.

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