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Christian Living Today
Yes, God speaks for us to hear and ponder — but what does He say?
What has He said to you? Has He spoken encouragement or provided guidance and direction? Has He warned or cautioned you? I submit He has done all the above, and more.
He speaks comfort: Comfort, comfort my people, says your God in Isaiah 4:1.
The Hebrew word for comfort in this verse means compassion and consolation. It also means “to have pity and an entering into your grief.”
On mercy, in II Corinthians 2:3-7, we’re told God is the Father of mercies and God of all comfort. The Greek comfort means “solace, a calling near, encouragement, something instructive for solace and consolation.” John 14:26 calls the Holy Spirit our advocate, and The Comforter.
As for vengeance, perhaps it will reassure you to remember God says, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” (Romans 12:19b) And also in Deuteronomy 32:35: Have you been mistreated and suffer injustice? Do you feel vindictive about some mistreatment? You can trust that God knows every small detail of that situation.
He is aware of what was done, including all the motives involved — every intended thing. He knows, and everyone is accountable to Him.
Let that be enough, and continue your life trusting Him, for He is loving and faithful.
Matthew, chapters 5 through 7, repeatedly say that He knows us personally. Scripture reminds us that God has counted every hair on our heads.
He is aware of us, as He notices even the smallest sparrow, oversees the tiniest wildflower that blooms today and fades tomorrow.
Nothing is beyond His love, watch and care.
Jesus discusses worry, anxiety, control: We store up worldly treasures, trying to be sure to have enough, thinking we are ultimately in control.
Jesus discusses serving two masters: I might describe this as a straddling of the belief system fence. And He tells us so much more about worry and anxiety.
Therefore, He says, do not be anxious for tomorrow, concluding with the illustration of the wise man and the foolish man — the foundations that they built their lives upon.
What clarity, and yet, such caution.
Yes, God speaks and desires us to hear and listen.
This has made a huge difference for me in my life, my sense of security and well-being. I pray it so for you, too. Until next week, Anita
Onarecker, an Elgin resident, author of “Divine Appointment: Our Journey to the Bridge” and minister to women and adults, earned a Master of Christian Education from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in 2007.
