SUNDAY 5TH JULY 2020
WORD FOCUS: TROUBLE ALL AROUND US
TEXT: 2 Corinthians 7:5 “For indeed, when we came to Macedonia, our bodies had no rest, but we were troubled on every side. Outside were conflicts, inside were fears…”
Times like this feel like a gathering storm. News of the latest countries on lock-down, borders closed, sheltering in place and the death toll rising made us wonder – when will it all end? Confusing Times Require Honest Questions. This pandemic has taken us by surprise. Any of us could be among the victims who lose their lives or their loved ones in a moment. Where is God in all of this? Does He even care about us or that people are scared, traumatized, lost, and insecure? Where do we go for answers? For protection? How do you ride out such a storm, knowing you’re so vulnerable? Calling on God – and Finding Him Close at Hand.
Twelve men faced an overwhelming storm over 2,000 years ago – one that threatened to end their lives. They were out at sea in an open boat when a great storm suddenly arose. As the waves crashed over the boat, threatening to sink it, they remembered that they were not alone – Jesus was also there. He was in the stern, asleep on the cushion. They shook Him awake, demanding, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” (Mark 4:38) We may ask that same question in the midst of the storm we’re witnessing. “God, do you not care that we are perishing?” As we read on in the story of the disciples’ storm, we find out that God does care, for Jesus rebuked the wind and waves with just a word: “Peace. Be still!” ((Mark 4:39) The wind ceased, and there was a great calm. Asking His Help for the troubled World and the troubled Heart when we see the storms raging around us, we can become overwhelmed by storms of fear and insecurity. Such storms can only be calmed by that same soothing voice of God: “Peace, be Still”. I am in the boat with you. So receive this word right now “Peace be Still”
Today, make this prayer: Lord Jesus, you were moved with compassion on the great crowds because they were troubled and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Comfort your people, still our fears, that we may fear no evil, even in the valley of the shadow of death, because we know You are with us.
MEDITATION: John 14:27, Psalm 46:10
STUDY THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:
MK 13:14-37; 1KGS 7; HOS 9:1-16
DailyBreadOfLife
#2020JesusSignsAndWonders
Godhead Interdenominational Ministry