We live in a broken world filled with sadness, suffering, pain, and uncertainty; Jesus said “I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly” John 10:10. So how do we coordinate the two and experience this abundance in the midst of the brokenness? First we must be confident that “The Lord is near, to all who call upon Him, to all who call upon Him in truth.” The Amplified Bible adds one clarifying word, “To all that call upon Him sincerely and in truth” Psalm 145:18. This is not just a formal religious prayer; it is calling from a point of stability and certainty, with faith in His trustworthiness. Isaiah 55:6 says, “Seek the Lord while He may be found, Call upon Him while He is near.” This seems to indicate if we wait too long we may not find Him! Proverbs 8:17 (King James Version) says, “…those that seek Me early shall find Me.” Early before the pressures of the day grow high, and there listen for His voice; and early in life before the evils of this world pull us into their swirl. He said, “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand” John 10:27-28. This is where we experience abundant life in this troubled world!
Jesus Has promised
By Rose Hill
I heard the news – it was so bad,
The things that are happening are so sad.
What can we do about this mess?
How can we make this suffering less?
Now I don’t want to fret and I don’t want to fear,
Jesus has promised that He would be near.
From troubles I must not try to run,
I’ll face them with courage and not with a gun.
Jesus is the shepherd of the sheep,
And He has promised His own to keep.
Unless otherwise noted Scripture quotations are from the New King James Version copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson Co. used by permission.