Carol’s Blog

‘What does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly before your God.’ Micah 6:8

Part of this text is worked into the stonework outside our local museum. It is the motto for the city. This is also a timely reminder where our loyalties lie.

It is easy to get downcast at this time of year; the weather is bad, the state of the country is not good. Summer seems a long way away.

But God is still in control. It is He who rules the world. We need February to prepare for June.

‘Why my soul are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet prove Him, my Saviour and my God.’ Psalm 42:11

There is no better way to start the day than with God. It puts into perspective all the good and bad things that are going to happen throughout the day.

‘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. Mark 1:35

We need to learn from the past but not to dwell on it. God has new things for us in the future.

‘Forget the former things, do not dwell on the past, see I am doing a new thing.’ Isaiah 43:18-19

It would be no good having a God who only wanted to hear from us when we were happy with things going well. Nor do we want a God who only hears our moans and requests.

‘Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone among you happy? Let them sing songs of praise.’ James 5:13

If we think things are not going the way we want them to, do we think God is against us? According to Jeremiah He wants the best for us.

‘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

A week ago we had the most tremendous storm. The winds were extremely high and it was dangerous to go out. Although the storms of life may rage, God is our help in physical and emotional storms.

‘God is our refuge and strength, an ever present help in trouble.’ Psalm 46:1

Our pains and problems can so easily drag us down. The more we are able to look to God and heavenly things, the easier they will be to bear.

‘Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.’ Colossians 3:2

In countries where there is religious persecution, it is difficult and dangerous for Christians to meet together for worship. When they do manage to meet God is with them.

‘Where two or three are gathered in My Name, I am there among them’ Matthew 18:20

We make plans for our lives, but God is the ultimate planner. He will lead us right.

‘People plan their path but the Lord secures their steps.’ Proverbs 16:9