Carol Purves

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

Names can tell us a lot about people, especially in the Bible where people were given names with meaning.

‘The name of the Lord is a strong fortress, the godly run to Him and are safe.’ Proverbs 18:10

Do sparks fly downwards from a fire? Of course not. They always fly upwards. That’s how sure we are to face trouble in life, BUT we don’t need to face it alone.

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

To me this sounds like the Christian faith.

‘Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength.

While loving someone deeply give you courage’.

Lao Tzu

In life we have two choices – to live our life with God or to live it without Him. To live a strong and fulfilling life, we need His guidance, His correction and His love.

‘The name of the Lord is a strong fortress, the godly run to Him and are safe.’ Proverbs 18:10