The Power of God’s Promises in Difficult Times

Hey friend, 

I want to say hello to my new friends in Germany, Pakistan, and Canada. (It’s great to see you, and I appreciate your visiting. I’m so glad you’re here! So, hello, my friend, all the way from the United States!)

As a sidenote, EMDR therapy has been a lifesaver for me. I’m just about six months in, and the benefits greatly outweigh the costs. I certainly feel my bones coming alive again, and there are parts of me that I’m realizing that I didn’t even know existed! After a conversation I had last night, I started to reflect on how blessed I am. However, let me explain, as others may not perceive it as such! Every area of my life has been shaken and tested. And from the outside, it might look like it’s all fallen apart. And I’m perfectly fine with that. But from the inside? My faith has and continues to be strengthened and fortified. I’ve never experienced such deep joy and profound peace, and I’ve never been happier in my life. (But don’t tell anyone, cause you know there’s always someone looking to try to ruin it! Jk, Jk. But, no, really.) 

His promises are sure, and that’s what I hope to encourage you with! He is faithful, and he keeps his promises. So, if I may, Learn more of his word for yourself. Learn who he is. Learn it inside out, backwards and forwards, and repeat his promises, characteristics, and attributes over and over until they are deeply rooted in your heart. They are lifesavers. When things get dark, scary, chaotic, etc., there is nothing better than closing your eyes and pulling those promises out of the depths of your heart. 

Romans holds one of my favorites. “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28, New King James Version). All things. I just love it when words like “All” are used. It’s inclusive of everything. Absolutely everything. That means even this. Whatever your “this” is. And because it applies to everything, that means no exclusions apply! Nothing. Not even your thing is excluded from that. So whatever it is, if you love God, somehow, someway, this will work out for your good. Even if you can’t see it yet, even if you can’t believe it yet. The good news is that it’s not dependent on your feelings. They don’t negate the fact that he will. And that’s my two cents about that! 

Today’s bible reading encouraged me for so many reasons. And I wish we could chat for a few minutes to share our takeaways, but I know that’s not always possible, for whatever reason. So, for now, I’ll just continue to share mine! 

First, and foremost, the loudest. And this is precisely what I mean about there being nothing better than pulling his word out of your heart. “If you say, ‘Surely we did not know this,’ Does not He who weighs the hearts consider it? He who keeps your soul, does He not know it? And will He not render to each man according to his deeds?” (Proverbs 24:12, NKJV) There’s so much encouragement here. I love that first, he is the keeper of our souls. I love that He weighs our hearts (and the hearts of others); I love that nothing is hidden from Him! “Does He not know it?” Hello, yes, of course he does! And will he not render to each man according to his deeds? Um, yes. Why yes, he will! And that is encouraging, inspiring, but also deeply frightening! And I say that on behalf of those who wrongly believe that what they do in the dark will not at some point be exposed in the light. He will render to each man according to his deeds. 

“Mufasa,” that’s what it makes me think of. You know, those silly hyenas that shudder in “The Lion King” whenever they hear Mufasa’s name. But this time it’s me that shudders, in awe, and in reverence of the one true God. The one who never fails to see, to weigh, to keep, and to render. It’s so mighty and powerful when I ruminate on it. And I hope it’s encouraging for you to hear! But also, if we are to emulate him, shouldn’t we be praying, “Forgive them, Lord, for they know not what they do?” That could be my conviction talking, because I have been convicted lately about how little I’ve been praying for my so-called enemies these days. If I’m honest, I’ve been more on the “Get-em Lord” team. I would love nothing more than to see Jesus take his sandal off and smack some sense into them. And that’s just me being honest. However, I also know that I would want others to pray for me compassionately whenever I’m acting foolishly. It’s like a dagger straight to my chest. 

Anyhow, there was so much substance that I took out of today that I could go on for days. I hope you did as well! If nothing else, remember that he loves justice! He is a God of justice, vindication, and righteousness. And he is unchanging. He cannot change. Therefore, my friend, you are not the exception. If you were, he could not be unchanging. And that would make him a liar. And he is anything but! 

He sees it all. And my dear friend, he never fails to act! 

Mufasa! “Ohh, say it again!”

Mufasa, 

iK