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God's Words For US
by Cecelia Lester
Peace and His Guidance Needed
I have said these things to you, in me you may have peace.
In this world you will have tribulation.
But take heart; I have overcome the world.
John 16:33 (ESV)
In our present-day world, we hear of tragedy striking somewhere every day. Some of these are in our own nation, even sometimes close to home. The latest one happened in Las Vegas. I have a friend from high school who has an ex-son-in-law who works there. People from all over our nation vacation there. Companies hold conventions in that town. Also, the forest fires in California and the hurricanes have caused havoc and devastation to the southern coastal regions and the Caribbean islands.
The news media calls the massacre in Las Vegas the worst tragedy in our modern history. 58 people, thus far, lost their lives and 500 suffer injuries. I saw the brother of the man responsible speak on one of the news channels. He did not know of any reason for his older brother’s behavior.
Our church holds its annual 24-hour prayer vigil each fall. This latest event caused me to be more mindful of the need for God in our lives. How many people will be senselessly killed or maimed before we, as a people, think seriously about our relationship with God and recognize Him?
Jesus told the disciples He disclosed His Father’s plan in order that they may have peace. He then warns them world will bring them tribulation. Some of us have had times of personal peril, protracted times of hardship, and uncertainty. We, as a nation, have weathered the storms of war, economic upheaval, and natural disasters.
Jesus then told His disciples that He has overcome the world. Jesus is bigger than the tragedies and disasters the world puts us through. If we permit Him, the Father guides us through those times. We have to allow ourselves to yield to God’s guidance as we progress through these times.
The Lord Will Bless Us with it.
May the LORD give strength to his people! May the LORD bless his people with peace!
Psalm 29:11 (ESV)
A psalm of David, entitled “Ascribe to the LORD Glory” He tells us to give God the glory due Him. He tells us to pay homage God “in the splendor of his holiness. We are to respect our heavenly Father for who He is. David speaks of the Lord’s voice powerful, using different forceful descriptions. Then David writes the words of our focus verse.
David seems to be asking the LORD make His people strong. The part of this focus verse is the part where the psalmist speaks of God giving His people peace.
Our church recently had an unusual week. Our church started out the week with a 24-hour prayer vigil. Some of us have had a major concern since that vigil ended. The causes of this unsettling feeling are too involved to discuss here. But this scripture brings me out of the doldrums I have felt.
David reminds me that God can bless his people with peace.
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Cecelia Lester has been serious about her writing for over two decades..
She composes Christian essays and posts them to her blog quietspirit-followingmyking.blogspot.com/
She has served in a faith-based organization, Grace In Action by writing two newsletters and searching for possible grants.
In July 2017, she published her first book, 'Times of Trouble Bring Rays of Joy.'
She and her husband of 54 years live in central Indiana. They have one grown son.
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