For most of the day yesterday I kept thinking about the void people experience who don’t know God. It hurts my heart!
So much bad news, so much turmoil and when we are left without our personal relationship with the Lord we are also left without peace, joy, and most of all hope. Hope!
“You were living without Christ then. The Jewish people who belonged to God had nothing to do with you. The promises He gave to them were not for you. You had nothing in this world to hope for. You were without God.
13 But now you belong to Christ Jesus. At one time you were far away from God. Now you have been brought close to Him. Christ did this for you when He gave His blood on the cross.” Ephesians 2:12-13 NLV
There’s a phrase I always look for in the Bible when I’m reading about people facing hardships and overwhelming odds. That is “but God”. That’s what the Apostle Paul wrote in the verses above.
We were living without Christ, we had nothing to hope for BUT Christ brought us close to God and now we have relationship with Him.
“We can come to God without fear because we have put our trust in Christ.” Ephesians 3:12 NLV
Because of our relationship with God through Christ we are now without fear and blame – we have hope, we have peace, we have help.
“ May the God of peace set you apart for Himself. May every part of you be set apart for God. May your spirit and your soul and your body be kept complete. May you be without blame when our Lord Jesus Christ comes again. 24 The One Who called you is faithful and will do what He promised.” I Thessalonians 5:23-24 NLV
I couldn’t leave you today without a song. It’s a song I remember singing when I was a teenager. It has brought me encouragement so, so, so many times throughout my life. It’s been sung by a number of artists but most recently I’ve enjoyed listening to Josh Turner sing, Without Him.
Without him, I would be dying
Without him, I’d be enslaved
Without him, life would be hopeless
But with Jesus, thank God I’m saved
“ Let us go with complete trust to the throne of God. We will receive His loving-kindness and have His loving-favor to help us whenever we need it.” Hebrews 4:16
Without Him I’d surely fail BUT thank GOD I am never left without God and His love!
I came across your blog while searching about the mustard seed parable. Really enjoyed your daily thoughts. Cinnamon rolls and coffee too. A Kentucky Wilson.
I’m glad those thoughts brought you joy. Our God and His word are amazing!