Carol Purves

It is not good enough to read about God’s goodness. Nor is it sufficient to listen to sermons or read books about God. We need to delve right in to learn more about Him. We need to take Him right into our hearts. There is nothing superficial about this faith.

‘Taste and see that the Lord is good, blessed is the one who takes refuge in Him’

Psalm 34:8

‘I call on the Lord in my distress and He answers me.’ Psalm 120:1

There is never any time when the Lord does not answer us. The answer may be ‘yes’ ‘no’ or even ‘wait.’ Because i tend to run ahead of God, His most frequent to me is ‘wait.’

‘I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With Him at my right hand I will not be shaken.’ Psalm 16:8

I have to confess that I do not always keep my eyes on the Lord. At times I look away and then I become overwhelmed by the problems of life. I have lived a whole life where God has not let me down once; you would think I had learned by now where my strength comes from.

These are not days to be timid about our faith. In a confused, frightened and fragile world God has given us hope and direction. We can pray to Him to show us opportunities to share this faith and then boldness to do just that.

‘For the spirit of God does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.’ 2 Timothy 1:7

I was challenged recently, ‘Do I love God for who He is or what He’s done for me.’ I realised that I did love Him for what He has done, gifts and blessings in this life and then the promise of eternal life. I further realised that Jesus is the Saviour of the World, so He is what He gives, we cannot separate the two.

Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord.’ Psalm 31:24

Praise to God is a way out of depression. He and He alone has the power to lift our spirits. We are not able to do it on our own, we need a higher authority and that authority is God. Turn to Him.

‘Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God , for I will yet praise Him, my Saviour and my God.

What trouble are you facing today? There will be as many different types of trouble as there are readers of this blog. Whatever the problem you have at the moment, our God is there to help and uplift and guide.

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

Where can we go? to whom can we turn? We are not promised an easy life; there will be trouble. We need somewhere completely safe to turn. God is a rock, fortress, tower and many other words used in the Bible. With Him we are safe.

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

‘Pursue righteousness, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.’ 2 timothy 2:22

We can only do this in the strength of the Lord.

God’s word is so powerful; we do not even begin to understand the strength of it. So it’s probably a good idea to read and study it more. Every time we delve into it, we seem to discover something new.

‘So shall my word be that goes out from My mouth; it shall not return to Me empty but it shall accomplish that which I purpose.’ Isaiah 55:11