Even though I will be sharing a New Testament verse at the end of this post, this devotional came to me as I was studying the Old Testament. It deals with being fearful in the times we are living. When we think about it, there will always be something to fear in the world. Yet, you and I can be confident that God is in control of our lives just like He always has been of those who love Him.
I often fear the world in which we live. I fear how it is becoming worse and worse. People are unkind and mean. There just seems to be tragedy after tragedy. There are constant threats from other countries or peoples. Our own country seems to be on a downward spiral. Sin seems to be over running any kind of good. Are things really getting worse in the world?
Whenever I stop to really think about it and what reading the Old Testament teaches me, the answer is no. The world is really like it has always been. People haven’t changed that much, nor have their sins.
Sin has always run rampant since the Garden of Eden. People since the beginning have let it entice them to do horrible things. I think the only difference now is we hear about it faster and see it as it is happening due to technology. I just finished reading the book of Judges. The whole book shows how people were constantly turning away from God. The last few chapters end with rape, murder, and war within the tribes of Israel.
When I catch myself becoming fearful, I remember God is in control. When I feel like there are more bad people in the world than good, I remember what God can accomplish through just a few who cling to Him.
After the book of Judges is the book of Ruth. It is the story of Naomi, Ruth, and Boaz living in the time period of Judges. Three people who were loving, selfless, and honored God above all else living in a world of chaos and evil. Naomi and Ruth experienced great tragedy within their own family, yet they never turned from God. God worked through their hardship for their good and to change the course of the world. Little did they know that He was making them the ancestors of Jesus Christ.
Never forget how God can use your small acts of love and kindness to those around you in a mighty way. Never lose hope in this life, because God is working for your good.
Dressed in Faith
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