"FOR HE LOVES US"

It was an uncertain time for the Jewish people. Think about it! How would you like to wander around and around in the wilderness for 40 years, setting up your tent only to tear it down and move on. How would you like to bury all of your grandparents, fathers, and mothers in the sands of the desert in unmarked graves?  Finally the time comes to cross the Jordan River, which is in flood stage, and face the kings of Canaan. You are exited but terrified! 

It was, indeed, a scary time. There were giants in the land, well-fortified cities, and strong armies. The people of Canaan would be fighting for their homes and for their lives. In spite of all the uncertainty and fear, Joshua led the people to victory and settled them in Canaan, a land flowing with milk and honey. 

It had been a long and difficult struggle, a time of violence and war, but they were home. Perhaps some of them patted themselves on the back and bragged about the strength of their armies and the bravery of their soldiers.

Many years later one of the music directors at the temple in Jerusalem pinned these lines to describe the time of the conquest of Canaan:

 "It was not by their sword 

that they won the land,

nor did their arm 

bring them victory;

it was your right hand, your arm,

and the light of your face, 

for you loved them." 

(Psalm 44:3 NIV)

Today we face frightening times. We are struggling with the Covid-19 pandemic; people are dying. We are facing massive wildfires in the west, strong hurricanes in the south, protests, riots, and looting in our biggest cities, political division, and tornados in the Midwest. Believers around the world are being martyred for their faith. Many of the things facing us are beyond our control. What to do? Can we depend on politicians to solve our problems? Can we worry the issues away? Will we succumb to depression, belligerence, or fatalism?

There is only one solution to the big issues of 2020 and the solution does not lie in us. It lies in the loving hands of a faithful God. We will not win the victory because of how smart or strong or determined we are. We will be victorious because our God has a strong arm to save. He turns His face to us and we have light and joy. He rescues us because He loves us!

We can rest securely through every disaster because our God is able to hold us in His right hand of power. He is able to save us through the Lord Jesus Christ who became one of us and understands what it is like to live in our world. We have assurance and comfort through God the Holy Spirit who actually lives in us and feels with us every concern and anxiety. We are well protected by the Triune God.

We can rest in Him. 

 "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened,

 and I will give you rest. 

 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, 

for I am gentle and humble in heart, 

and you will find rest for your souls. 

 For my yoke is easy 

and my burden is light." 

(Matthew 11:28-30 NIV)