GOD IS IN CONTROL

          The world that we live in is suddenly facing many major changes.  All of us are having to make major adjustments in our lives. Our lives have been disrupted.  We don't know what a day will bring. And with that in mind I have decided to make some changes in this week's blog in hopes of encouraging us during these very difficult days. I am featuring a rather new song that you may never have heard before.  But I believe it is a reminder that we all need.  The Lord has also provided us with many messages of encouragement in His Word for times like these.  We need to claim them and avoid the anxiety and panic that can fill our lives.  Here are a few of them:  

Isaiah 14:24 

"The Lord Almighty has sworn, 'Surely, as I have planned, so it will be, and as I have purposed, so it will happen.'"

Isaiah 41:10

"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."

Psalm 46:1

"God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble."

Philippians 4:6-7

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

Psalm 94:19

"When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul." 

          In 2008 Jerry Bridges wrote the following in Decision Magazine:

"All people - believers in God as well as unbelievers - experience anxiety, frustration, heartache and disappointment. Some suffer intense physical pain and catastrophic tragedies. But what should distinguish the suffering of believers from unbelievers is the confidence that our suffering is under the control of an all-powerful and all-loving God; our suffering has meaning and purpose in God's eternal plan, and He brings or allows into our lives only what is for His glory and our good."

          Recently Twila Paris wrote a song about God being in control and I thought it might be helpful to share it this week.

This is no time for fear

This is a time for faith and determination

Don't lose the vision here

Carried away by the motion

Hold on to all that you hide in your heart

There is one thing that has always been true

It holds the world together

God is in control

We believe that His children will not be forsaken

God is in control

We will choose to remember and never be shaken

There is no power above or beside Him, we know

God is in control

History marches on

There is a bottom line drawn across the ages

Culture can make its plan

Oh, but the line never changes

No matter how the deception may fly

There is one thing that has always been true

It will be true forever

God is in control

We believe that His children will not be forsaken

God is in control

We will choose to remember and never be shaken

There is no power above or beside Him, we know

God is in control

He has never let you down

Why start to worry now? (2x)

He is still the Lord of all we see

And He is still the loving Father

Watching over you and me

Watching over you, watching over me

Watching over everything

Watching over you, watching over me

Every little sparrow, every little key, every little key

God is in control

We believe that His children will not be forsaken

God is in control

We will choose to remember and never be shaken

There is no power above or beside Him, we know

God is in control

You can listen to Twila sing it right here.   CONTROL

As part of our adjusting to new regulations, I had listed some thoughts and practical ideas on my weekly personal blog on Saturday, March 21.  You might find this blog helpful.  You can see it here.   BLOG

And remember - God is still in control!
Have a great week - keep safe!