I will return again to My place
Till they acknowledge their offense.
Then they will seek My face;
In their affliction they will earnestly seek Me. Hosea 5:15 (NKJV)
Come, and let us return to the Lord;
For He has torn, but He will heal us;
He has stricken, but He will bind us up.
After two days He will revive us;
On the third day He will raise us up,
That we may live in His sight. Hosea 6: 1-2 (NKJV)
Anxiety interrupts,
Worry distracts,
Sin disrupts
God’s plans for His people.
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)
Assurance is found in our faithful Creator.
Our Heavenly Father knows best.
Trust Him.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV)
Trust requires waiting…..with hope.
Yet the delay feels as if God is absent. Has He forgotten me?
I say to God my Rock, “Why have you forgotten me? Why must I go about mourning, oppressed by the enemy?” Psalm 42:9 (NIV)
Instead of resting, we move forward by our own design,
And end up lost.
Whether steadily or swiftly, life may tumble out of control.
Eventually hope dissipates into impossibility.
But God says…..
For nothing will be impossible with God. Luke 1:37 (NASB)
God’s Word remains true and still we grapple independently,
Failing until fear takes over.
How much affliction must we endure before we seek the Lord’s help?
Trouble visits everyone, hardships arrive in various forms,
Concerns include family, friends, health, personal welfare, material stuff, and so much more,
These matters impact lives daily.
There is Someone who cares deeply for those things that concern you.
Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken. Psalm 55:22 (NIV)
His Word also tells us……
Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you. 1 Peter 5:6-8 (NASB)
Seek the Lord while He may be found……
I sought the Lord, and He answered me,
And delivered me from all my fears. Psalm 34:4 (NASB)
‘Do not fear, for I am with you;
Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you, surely I will help you,
Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’ Isaiah 41:10 (NASB)
Your ears will hear a word behind you, “This is the way, walk in it,” whenever you turn to the right or to the left. Isaiah 30:21 (NASB)
Lord, please lead me away from the things that tempt me. Deliver me from the ever-present evil. Keep my mind focused on you.
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. Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV)
You will make known to me the path of life;
In Your presence is fullness of joy;
In Your right hand there are pleasures forever. Psalm 16:11 (NASB)
And then, oh the joy of a restored soul.
God is faithful.
Oh how He loves you and me!
He restores my soul;
He leads me in the paths of righteousness
For His name’s sake. Psalm 23:3 (NKJV)
Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you. Psalm 63:3 (NIV)