WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU DOUBT

When my older sister died this month, after a very long goodbye, my heart was preoccupied with her, and with her son and daughter in law who cared for her in their home. And her husband of only two years, was there, too. All of us in her family were somehow involved, watching, praying, grieving.

Why did God allow this hard and painful end to the life of my sister. She had lived a long and useful life of love and hospitality, caring for everybody in sight. Of course, she was eighty-six!

As God would have it, during this sad time, my husband and I are reading in the Book of Job. You know him! He was accosted by our archenemy, Satan: and God allowed it. We are in this amazing Book during our regular reading through the Bible. When you doubt, when you fear, where do you go? Go to God. Go to the Bible. Reassurance and hope will be there waiting for you. Psalms is one good place for comfort.

 "Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance." Psalm 42:5

 "Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God." Psalm 42:11

"Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God." Psalm 43:5

"Thus, saith the LORD, thy Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel; I am the LORD thy God which teacheth thee to profit, which leadeth thee by the way that thou shouldest go." Isaiah 48:17

"Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." John 14. Jesus was speaking to you and me. "I, if I be lifted up from the earth will draw all men unto me." John 12:32

"I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee." Hebrews 13:5. Stay close!

 

 

GUARDING HOUR HOUSE

If ever there was a time to be vigilant it is today: the influence on our household is from many sources. Watch for those aggressively promoting a godless agenda. We can discern between good and evil! We can be wise and courageous. Deceit is potentially inside your home through internet, the media, through television, YouTube, and radio. Wisdom by staying close to God through the Bible will give you courage to guard your home.

It might mean teaching a child a truth that is in your heart, and in Scripture. It might mean turning the YouTube off. It might mean warning, but always in a spirit of humility. “I love you. That video, (music, movie, show) is wrong to put into your head and heart, because…”

"But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously, and without reproach and it will be given him." James 1:5. Liberal wisdom is what God is pouring out from Scripture. This is first, then go to a trusted relative and friend. But even they are not your final source: God through the Holy Spirit will guide you. "Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth..." John 16:13.  We can be watching out for those near and dear…husband, children, friends. A guide of the house is to “rule a family” … you can wisely guide and guard your house. “I will therefore that the younger women marry, bear children, guide the house…” 1Timothy 5:14.

What is the threat, anyway? "For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist." 2 John 1:7. So, for the sake of your future, for the love of those you care for, "Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves..." Matthew 10:16.