Uplook - January 27, 2024
Good afternoon,
Listening to one of our ministers preach recently, I was reminded again of a basic truth. When we have entered into a covenant relationship with God (in the Old Testament through the Torah/Law and in the New Testament through faith in Christ) then He has promised to be with us no matter the circumstances. The sermon quoted the story of Joseph and that while things did not seem to be going well for him at various times, “The Lord was with Joseph”. Similarly, the writer of Hebrews summarizes several Old Testament scriptures by saying:
“Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. 6 So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me." Hebrews 13:5–6
We need not be discontent with our situation or fearful of what may come because the Lord has promised to be our helper and stand right beside us. Jesus himself said in Matthew 11:29-30 to “take my yoke upon you and learn of me” and we will find “rest for our souls”. He invites us to walk near him in such a way that rest can be found even in trying times. Eugene Peterson translated that verse in an inspiring modern way stating:
“Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”[1]
The Psalmist had lived enough life to understand this same truth when he stated:
“I have been young, and now am old; Yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, Nor his seed begging bread.” Psalm 37:25
I’m not sure of the challenges, trials, or afflictions which may have come your way so far this year or may lie ahead in the balance of the year. What I am sure of is that the Lord has promised to be with you. You may have to take a moment or two to assess just where you are and what you truly desire, but if you ask God for His direction, he will be right there beside you to guide and help you. When Judah wandered away from God’s way, Jeremiah the prophet reminded them:
"Thus saith the Lord, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk therein." Jeremiah 6:16
May the Lord help us all to find the rest which he has promised, watching and following His example no matter our circumstance. He is with us, will not forsake or leave us, and will teach us the “unforced rhythms of grace” day by day as we walk in His ways. God bless you all.
BB
Rev. William E. McKibben
Senior Pastor
[1] Eugene H. Peterson, The Message: The Bible in Contemporary Language (Colorado Springs, CO: NavPress, 2005), Mt 11:29–30.
Listening to one of our ministers preach recently, I was reminded again of a basic truth. When we have entered into a covenant relationship with God (in the Old Testament through the Torah/Law and in the New Testament through faith in Christ) then He has promised to be with us no matter the circumstances. The sermon quoted the story of Joseph and that while things did not seem to be going well for him at various times, “The Lord was with Joseph”. Similarly, the writer of Hebrews summarizes several Old Testament scriptures by saying:
“Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. 6 So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me." Hebrews 13:5–6
We need not be discontent with our situation or fearful of what may come because the Lord has promised to be our helper and stand right beside us. Jesus himself said in Matthew 11:29-30 to “take my yoke upon you and learn of me” and we will find “rest for our souls”. He invites us to walk near him in such a way that rest can be found even in trying times. Eugene Peterson translated that verse in an inspiring modern way stating:
“Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”[1]
The Psalmist had lived enough life to understand this same truth when he stated:
“I have been young, and now am old; Yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, Nor his seed begging bread.” Psalm 37:25
I’m not sure of the challenges, trials, or afflictions which may have come your way so far this year or may lie ahead in the balance of the year. What I am sure of is that the Lord has promised to be with you. You may have to take a moment or two to assess just where you are and what you truly desire, but if you ask God for His direction, he will be right there beside you to guide and help you. When Judah wandered away from God’s way, Jeremiah the prophet reminded them:
"Thus saith the Lord, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk therein." Jeremiah 6:16
May the Lord help us all to find the rest which he has promised, watching and following His example no matter our circumstance. He is with us, will not forsake or leave us, and will teach us the “unforced rhythms of grace” day by day as we walk in His ways. God bless you all.
BB
Rev. William E. McKibben
Senior Pastor
[1] Eugene H. Peterson, The Message: The Bible in Contemporary Language (Colorado Springs, CO: NavPress, 2005), Mt 11:29–30.
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