Psalm 46:1,2 

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling. Selah

We are halfway through an administration and halfway through a year, for most of us it is one that we are ready to see come to a close. There is chaos in our convention, sin openly celebrated with pride in our streets, and financial devastation in our homes; war in foreign lands that for some of us is not so far removed, coupled with random acts of violence in cities around our country, add to it those who are losing loved ones to illness and age, and it is easy for us to begin to wonder if God has forgotten us or even perhaps has ceased to care. 

In the midst of all of this it serves us well to remember the life cycles of the Old Testament people of God. Our minds are incapable of the evil that was abounding in the days of Noah, “The LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and the every intention of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.” Imagine Noah’s outlook everyday as he and his family witnessed this evil, yet God delivered him. Consider the people under the harsh rule of Pharoah, making bricks without straw, whips across their backs, yet God raised up Moses to lead them out of captivity as they witnessed the wrath of God poured out on Egypt by way of plagues. What about the siege of Jerusalem? As the food sources were cut off and starvation set in, however God delivered. These days were for certain days of woe and worry, but God. 

He has not ceased to care, and he certainly has not forgotten. Jesus tells us to consider the sparrow, God feeds them all. What a mighty God we serve. He is our strength and our shield, hiding us within the shadow of his wings. Take heart brothers and sisters, these are but the birthing pains, that lead to joy in the glory of God.

Pastor Matt