We come to a point in our lives (and if you are like me, then that is on a daily basis) where we have to choose between being defined by our problems or being defined by our God. Sometimes we make our problems our god. That is a god of tyranny. The God of the Bible is a god of Freedom. The God of the Bible tells us over and over again to not be afraid, that through Him we can have a peace that surpasses all understanding, that can rise above all circumstances.
I am currently reading in the book of Joshua and there are countless times that God tells the Israelites to not fear, to not be dismayed, to be strong and courageous. There are numerous stories in this book of the Israelites facing enemies far greater than themselves, but each time God proves that He is above and over everything.
At one point, in Chapter 10, Joshua prays to the Lord asking for the sun to stand still as they are about to face the Amorites:
“At that time Joshua spoke to the Lord in the day when the Lord gave the Amorites over to the sons of Israel, and he said in the sight of Israel,
‘Sun, stand still at Gibson, and moon, in the Valley of Aijalon’
And the sun stood still, and the moon stopped, until the nation took vengeance on their enemies. Is this not written in the Book of Jashar? The sun stopped in the midst of heaven and did not hurry to set for about a whole day. There has been no day like it before or since, when the Lord heeded the voice of a man, for the Lord fought for Israel.”
These verses are such a glorified display of God’s power and His willingness to hear our prayers and take care of us. God is the same God now as He was then. A good God. A just God. A God who loves and cares for His children. Imagine the power of our prayers if we actually believed these things about His character; If we lived our lives in light of who He actually is. Even if our prayers were not answered in the way that we had hoped, knowing and believing that He is all wise and caring, would not only bring us closer to Him during the trials of life, but sustain us during its disappointments.
Thanks to Jesus, we have access to God our Father. And with that access gives us peace and strength that far outweighs anything evil thrown our way. For Jesus has already overcome that evil, and death, and secured eternity for His beloved.
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” -John 16:33