Sit Down – You Have a Seat At The Royal Table

I have felt weary with the fighting, hostility, dissension, arguing, slamming, slander, badgering, and divisive harsh tone of our world these past few months. Then we were all shocked by the sudden tragedy that just took place in Las Vegas, injuring and killing so many innocent victims. I wonder, what does God think about our current state of events? If I could sit down with God, sitting on a bar stool at the island in our kitchen, and have a cup of coffee with Him, face to face, and ask Him that question I think He would remind me of the following truths:

• “Be still and know that I am God.” I am exalted above the nations. I will be exalted above the earth.” Psalm 46:10.
• “The fear of man lays a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is safe.” Proverbs 29:25.
• “The Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials and to keep the unrighteous under punishment until the day of judgment.” 2 Peter 2:9.
• “If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.” Colossians 3:1-2.
• “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33.
• “A king’s heart is like streams of water in the LORD’s hand. He directs it wherever he chooses.” Proverbs 21:1.
• “Behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to render to every man according to what he has done.” Revelation 22:12.

It seems recently that many have lost all hope. The common response is despair and self-indulgence. Have I ever felt a particular circumstance was unbearable and had no answers? Oh yes! Sometimes every week! But Jesus declares in the midst of the crisis the following:

“Do not fear, only believe.” Mark 5:36

Remember when Joseph was taken from his brothers and had to become a slave? Joseph’s father never thought he would ever see him again. Jacob cried tears of sorrow. He went through deep grief. But eventually God’s plan was revealed, and we read in Genesis 48:11 a verse that tells us all that no situation is ever hopeless: “And Israel said to Joseph, “I never expected to see your face; and behold, God has let me see your off-spring also.”

There are no circumstances that are beyond God’s help.

There may be repeated failures on man’s part in government or leadership, but that will not ever prevent God’s plan from taking place.

There are no easy solutions or quick fixes when in the pit of despair. But our problems do not have to define us or muddy our outlook on life.

Even in hopeless situations, God still has people whom He can work through.

Christ is in control of history. Why do we forget that when we are watching the news? The book of Revelation ends with verses 20 and 21, NIV: “Yes, I am coming soon.” Amen. Come Lord Jesus. The grace of the Lord Jesus be with God’s people. Amen.”

“What happens in America has nothing to do with the kingdom of God, because the kingdom of God is built one soul at a time, as a sinner puts his trust in Christ.” John MacArthur.

“If you and I are going to live and love audaciously, we are going to have to quit answering the door when hopelessness bangs its ugly fist at it. It has no place in our lives. Hopelessness is a liar.” Beth Moore, “Audacious.”

Priscilla Shirer in her Bible study book, “Armor of God,” has said: “ . . . The enemy often attacks us at points of strength, influence, and weakness. So we need to prayerfully discern where the attacks are likely to come from, and take measures to defend ourselves in the power of God’s strength. Safeguard yourselves through prayer.”

Questions:

When hard times strike, how can stress and anxiety fuel greater passion for God’s Word, more time in prayer, and an increase of worship and praise of God’s everlasting love, instead of gloom and disheartenment?

Has the outcome of your eternal future been decided?

Write out your own empowered script of Bible verses that give you armor to fight the enemy’s doubts and insecurities when your boat is rocked and sinking – when the news is filled with hostility and hopelessness. Keep these promises from God close, so you can read them throughout the day to reboot your mind.

Do you need God’s vision for your life? Enlighten your heart and mind as you pray the words of Ephesians 1:18 NLT: “I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the confident hope he has given to those he called, what a rich and glorious inheritance he has given to his holy people.”

Listen to Sidewalk Prophets song, “Come To The Table.”