PUT YOUR TRUST IN THE LORD
Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the Lord with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight.
In 2. Timothy 3:1, the Apostle Paul, through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit wrote: "But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come. "The Greek word used here, translated "perilous" can also be translated "difficult, terrible, grievous, hard to live in." The last days describe not only the end of the Messianic Age, but also the times in which Paul was living as well.
As we take some time and ponder what is happening around us we can all agree that we are living in the last days. But when did the last days begin? For sure we know that on the Day of Pentecost, the last days had already begun. Peter's answer to the critics as to what happened in the Upper Room on that day said, "This is what was spoken by the Prophet Joel: 'And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, that I will pour out of My Spirit on all flesh...'" So from the time of the Holy Spirit's outpouring until now, the last days have been here.
The happenings in our Country and the events unfolding on the world's stage, politically, socially, economically, culturally and sadly in some church circles, all remind us that we are living in perilous times. And the Scriptures tell us that things in the world will grow progressively worse. However, there is no need to despair. The Church of Jesus Christ will continue to experience God's faithfulness, power, presence, protection, provision and anointing during these "difficult, terrible, grievous, hard to live in" times. As the Israelites saw God's Hand with them during the dangerous forty-day journey in the wilderness, even so we can expect God to do the same for us. In this New Year 2025 my word to you is, "Be not afraid or dismayed. Our God Reigns!" Psalm 125:1-2.
Prayer: Father, as we embark on another year, may we be mindful of your abiding presence with us despite the difficulties that surround us. And may we place our total confidence in You to take us through in Jesus' name. Amen.
