God is in control

Is there any good news anymore? You betcha! I have lots of it. Once in a while you will hear or read about something good on Planet Earth but I have “good news ” every day.

For starters, Jesus loves you. The Bible gives a wonderful blueprint for your life, and it has a wonderful guarantee. God will never leave his obedient, repentant child. Praises still go out to God, and he inhabits them. God still performs miracles and answers prayers. God sends his angels to watch over his children. With God, there is always hope.

“The Lord is good to those who hope in him, to those who seek him” (Lamentations 3:25). “But the people who trust the LORD will become strong again. They will rise up as an eagle in the sky; they will run and not need rest; they will walk and not become tired” (Isaiah 40:31 NCV).

Knowing God is in control keeps us steady in a tumultuous world. His Word is the “great tranquilizer.” If you find yourself being tempted with fear, remember hope in God brings patience while waiting for his answer. God isn’t worried about the economy, war or any other catastrophe. Those who obey his commandments have precious promises for daily living.

Since God is in control, how about looking for good news for a change? You may not be rich by the world’s standards, but you can give what you have. The disciples had only five loaves and two fish, but they gave it to Jesus. Whatever you have, give it to Jesus and he will multiply it back.

When bad news comes along, focus on others with love, a smile and a caring attitude. Lose your “life” in service. Give yourself away. Look forward to a new day every morning with gratitude. Listen to the birds praise their Maker. See the beautiful sunset painted by the “Master Painter.” Look at a baby’s face and see God’s miracle.

Live in the joy of today, not the mistakes of yesterday or the worries of tomorrow.

Today is the time to give your wife flowers with a love note.

Today is the day to express admiration to someone you have long admired.

Today is the day to forgive all wrongs hurled at you. (Keeping them in your heart and mind is a real joy stealer.)

Today is the day to bless someone else. That makes you happy.

Volunteer time to a worthy cause. Meet new people and make friends.

Be joyful and appreciative of life.

The heart of God is big enough to fill the hearts of every person who has ever lived. Nothing can separate us from his love because no human being will ever encounter what Jesus endured on the cross for you and me. He took ever disease, every sickness and every sorrow for humanity.

God is in control and has overcome the world. If God is for us, who can stand against us? When bad news seems to dominate from so many sources, make a resolution to focus on Jesus.

Let me encourage you today. Be patient. Be prayerful and await God’s timing.

He is in control. I leave you with the glorious hope in 1 Peter 1:4-6:

“And God has reserved for his children the priceless gift of eternal life; it is kept in heaven for you, pure and undefiled, beyond the reach of change and decay. And God, in his mighty power, will make sure you get there safely to receive it, because you are trusting him. It will be yours in that coming last day for all to see. So be truly glad! There is wonderful joy ahead even though the going is rough for a while down here.” (TLB)