With everything going on in our world right now, we are concerned, and we should be. However, there is a difference between being concerned, and fearful. Remember the rainbow which reminds us of His covenant, His promises.
Today in our Old Testament reading the Lord was telling Moses to have the Israelites celebrate the Passover, at the appointed time, and they did. Some of them were concerned about not being able to celebrate the Passover since they had been in contact with a dead body, and this would consider them to be unclean, which would prevent them from celebrating.
Moses responded to the people saying, “Wait until I find out what the Lord commands concerning you.” (Numbers 9: 8)
Almost immediately, I was reminded of what the Lord has said concerning us: “For He will command His angels concerning you, to guard you in all your ways.” (Psalm 91: 11)
Going a little deeper I looked up a cross-reference scripture, and I was directed to this: “I will listen to what God the Lord will say; He promises peace to His people, His saints…” (Psalm 85: 8)
In times of uncertainty, when we are concerned:
- Inquire of the Lord He will answer.
- He understands our concerns.
- Don’t let fear grip you. It will paralyze you.
- He has commanded His angels, concerning us, to guard us.
- He brings peace, listen to Him.
On the day the Tabernacle was set up, the cloud of God’s glory covered it. “Whenever the cloud settled, the Israelites encamped.” (Numbers 9: 17)
- The cloud of His presence covers and settles us.
- Take time to be still with Him.
He releases peace when we settle with Him. In our questions, His wisdom is released to us. Read these words of wisdom; they need no explanation:
- “Wisdom, like an inheritance, is a good thing and benefits those who see the sun (Son).” (Ecclesiastes 7: 11, emphasis added)
- “Wisdom is a shelter as money is a shelter, but the advantage of knowledge is this: that wisdom preserves the life of its possessor.” (Ecclesiastes 7: 12)
- “Consider what God has done.” (Ecclesiastes 7: 13)
- “When times are good, be happy; but when times are bad, consider: God has made the one as well as the other. Therefore, a man cannot discover anything about his future.” (Ecclesiastes 7: 14)
- “Do not pay attention to every word people say, or you may hear your servant cursing you–for you know in your heart that many times you yourself have cursed others.” (Ecclesiastes 7: 22)
Perhaps, in your time of loss, pain, or suffering, you may have engaged in cursing others. Don’t listen to everything you hear or even read. Listen to what the Lord is saying.
In the New Testament reading, Jesus is addressing the issue of divorce and marriage. He says this, “Whatever God has joined together let man not separate.” (Matthew 19: 5-6)
This passage is hard for some to read since divorce is so common in our world. There are further guidelines listed about divorce, separation, and remarriage in another book of the Bible, 1 Corinthians 7. I encourage you to read it in its entirety. About this subject, depending on your circumstance, Paul says this:
- “Because of the present crisis, I think it is good for you to remain as you are.” (1 Corinthians 7: 26)
- “I would like you to be free from concern.” (1 Corinthians 7: 32)
No matter what goes on in our lives, God wants us to live in undivided devotion to Him. He will get us through.
In all circumstances, we have to discipline ourselves and remain free from being overly concerned and listen to what the Lord is saying. This advice can be good in times of uncertainty. Our ultimate allegiance is not to men, but to Jesus. Keep looking up and give Him your concern. He has “Commanded His angels concerning you.”
(Numbers 9-10, Ecclesiastes 7, Matthew 19: 1-15, Modified)
UNBROKEN LOVE SERIES
You can find all of the Unbroken Love series posts by clicking the button below.
