Dear Northside
I have a sense that people are feeling a bit hopeless and discouraged at the moment. All that is happening here politically and economically is tiring. And now we have the return of thousands of Zimbabweans from South Africa. Where do they go to, where do they live, what do they do, can they find jobs? And the picture globally is not much better.
One of the reasons we feel tired, hopeless, discouraged is because I think we put our hope in the wrong things. We put our hope in people, leaders or in systems, or our jobs and these people and things keep letting us down. We get excited and the fire of hope ignites and then it dies… again!
Who Do You Trust? What’s causing you to wait? Maybe it’s a dream you’re holding onto, or a promise you’ve been given. Maybe you’re waiting on a person to change, or a situation to shift. Maybe you’re waiting for a prayer to be answered, hope to arrive, joy to replace sorrow, or clarity to replace confusion and chaos.
It can be difficult in the midst of pain, loss, and suffering to patiently cling to the One who promises to come through for us.
Isaiah was a prophet to the leaders of Judah during a time of national corruption and spiritual destitution. He foretold of his people being dragged away into exile because they were trusting in idols, political rulers, and other momentary things. But Isaiah also reminded the people that God was sovereign, would bring them out of exile, and would one day send a Savior to rescue them forever. Isaiah didn’t live to see all his prophecies fulfilled—but he held onto the hope that he prophesied about, and his words to the people of Israel can continue to encourage us today…
Trust in the Lord even when circumstances don’t make sense. Trust in the Lord even when you’re suffering. Trust in the Lord even when your heart is breaking. Come what may, trust in the Lord.
Seasons may shift, situations may change, people may abandon, desert, or betray you—but the One who remains constant throughout history is the God over history. The Lord is unchanging and immovable. Nothing can stand against Him or overcome Him. He knows what it’s like to suffer because He suffered for us. We can trust God because He always keeps His promises—and He has promised to fight for us, never leave us, make a way for us, love us, protect us, and remain faithful to us.
Since God is our salvation, we can trust Him and not be afraid. So come what may, let’s choose today to trust in the Lord. Isaiah 26:4 “Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord Himself, is the Rock eternal.”
Do an analysis of your heart today. In who or what are you putting your trust? If it is not God, then spend some time examining your life and values. Ask God to help you trust Him more.
God bless, Pastor Gary