I hear it said so much lately that the world is full of hate and anger, as if God has abandoned us to the enemy. Have you ever considered that these thoughts are sent by the enemy to burden our spirits and steal the joy that God gives us every day? While I agree—we live in difficult times where we are at warfare in both the natural and spiritual realms, but hasn’t it always been so? While I recognize this, I also choose to see God’s beauty and feel His love in both the world and in my heart. God has given me this glorious day, and I refuse to turn it over to the enemy.
God is still present, active, and performing His miracles in the midst of this chaotic world, so I choose joy over evil and God’s victory above all else. Look around you! He has not abandoned us. All the flowers, birds, wondrous clouds and mighty thunder and lightning—that’s God showing off His gentle love and fierce power. All the colorfully patterned wings of birds is God’s living creativity. The pride of a lioness for her cubs, that’s evidence of God’s protective nature. He is all around us, everywhere, and it’s a beautiful thing to feel His love for us in all creation.
Don’t be one who only sees hatred and anger, who only feels burdened by evil. If we allow these thoughts to consume us, then isn’t it us who have abandoned God? He has commissioned us to spread His GOOD news, and we have become the naysayers, the doomsday promoters of our time. What witness do Christians provide when the evidence of our salvation is division, frustration, and a joyless heart? It’s no wonder our churches are empty, and our communities and nations are being ruled by the enemy!
Here’s my challenge for you today. Take a walk and marvel at all the beauty God has given you. No matter how poorly you might think your singing voice, it brings great pleasure to God. Throw caution to the wind! Sing praises to the Lord in your car, and let your voice be heard by that impatient driver nearby. In Psalm 32:11 NIV, it says to Rejoice in the Lord and be glad, you righteous; sing, all you who are upright in heart! That’s God’s plan. It is His desire that we enjoy this life we have been given, for it is His precious gift. For some going through a season of darkness, this might seem impossible. Remember, God is the God of impossible miracles. When we see His light, the darkness lifts and He fills our hearts with compassion, comfort, encouragement—yes, and unexplainable joy in the darkest of times. God is our refuge. He will never abandon us. This is God’s promise in Deuteronomy 31:6 NIV, he says, Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.