Weapons and Loud Voices

Lately, the news has been filled with awful events and continuous debate. It seems that we have gotten to the point where we try to resolve our differences through the use of weapons and loud voices. People, out of desperation and a need to have things go their way, have chosen physical and/or verbal violence. Calm expressions of our needs and views have gone to the wayside as we often feel that our views must be heard, no matter what it takes. Fortunately, the choice to use violence rarely succeeds long-term.

Psalm 20:7 says, “Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.” Out of desperation some people use weapons or their loud voices to try to win their battles. But only by trusting God can we achieve the victories that we truly need and seek in life. He has the power to make the changes that we desire and need. His sovereignty will make an eternal difference in the world.

God’s Kingdom

In Luke 17:20-21 Jesus said, “The kingdom of God is not coming in ways that can be observed, nor will they say, ‘Look, here it is!’ or ‘There!’ for behold, the kingdom of God is in the midst of you.” The Pharisees made the mistake of looking for a Messiah that would establish a physical governmental kingdom on earth. Jesus is the Messiah that came to establish His kingdom in the hearts and souls of men who would trust Him and seek to become like Him. The kingdom of God reigns in the hearts of those who forsake worldliness to follow the King of kings.

Throughout history, kingdoms have come and gone. Different forms of government have also not withstood the test of time. One reason is that these kingdoms and governments have never truly captured the heart of their people. If the people could trust the government to act truly to benefit the ordinary person, they would ensure that the government would last. Only one kingdom meets that test, God’s kingdom. He is not only King of kings, but also our loving Heavenly Father. He is good and faithful to those who follow Him. His kingdom will endure forever.

Seen and Heard

I often have the feeling of being invisible. I can be in a small or a large group and have no one talk to me or listen to me. During those times, it feels like I don’t exist at all. I begin to think that my thoughts, and even my life, do not matter. Fortunately, these times are brief and, more importantly, someone does think that I am important enough to listen to and to respond.

Psalm 34:4-6 says, “I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears. Those who look to him are radiant, and their faces shall never be ashamed. This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him and saved him out of all his troubles.” We may feel that we are surrounded by troubles, but God promises to rescue and deliver us when we call upon Him. Those who trust in the Lord will never be ashamed. Instead, their countenance will reflect the joy of the Lord.

Work Accomplished

Nehemiah 6:16 says, “And when all our enemies heard of it, all the nations around us were afraid and fell greatly in their own esteem, for they perceived that this work had been accomplished with the help of our God.” God is our ever-present help. When God receives the glory for His help in our lives, the world stands amazed and humbled.

When I am failing, God brings fulfillment. When I am confused, God offers light and insight. When I feel weak, God is my strength. When I am overwhelmed, God offers peace.

What Will They Say?

People may say one thing about me when I can listen, but they may say something entirely different when I leave the room. To be sure, some of those differences are spoken out of self-interests. But some things they say may be true. It is the true things that I should be concerned with. Once I leave the room, is the memory of me a blessing to other people, or does my memory somehow offend and discourage other people?

Proverbs 10:6-7 says, “Blessings are on the head of the righteous, but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence. The memory of the righteous is a blessing, but the name of the wicked will rot.” Among the many blessings of a person who walks in righteousness with God, is that they are beloved by those who remember them. Another blessing for the righteous is that their words are also well received and honoring.