In Good Times and Bad

Posted on June 26, 2015 by America's Keswick in Freedom Fighters

In Good Times and Bad

“Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence?”
Psalm 139:7

One of the truest statements ever made is that a person can be in a crowd of people and feel alone. The pain of loneliness Good Times Bad Timesis an avenue to dark places. I can retreat to the 139th Psalm for a reminder of the intimacy I can have with God when I feel alone. When I find myself leaning on being so doctrinally sound, with all my facts on the table and neglecting the fellowship that comes with my relationship with God is the same thing as surrounding myself with people but never sharing in healthy fellowship. Expecting my needs to be met by just changing my surroundings is an external fix that ignores an internal need.

David comes upon the realization that no matter where he goes, God is there. I can relate to this picture of God wanting to comfort us in our time of need and also celebrate with us when we are soaring. Whether we’re ascending or descending, supplying the wind under our wings or finding us at our loneliest times at the outer ends of the sea.

There are times in my life I’ll never forget as a child, times when I would be having a great time and looking over at my Mom or Dad and knowing that they supplied this happy moment. Then there are the times waking up from a horrible nightmare and having my Mom comfort and hold me till I was fast asleep (even if it was in her bed). Having them cheer me on as I would celebrate a milestone or special event or have them reassure me of their love when I was feeling left out. Looking back at those times makes it easier to realize that we have a God who wants to fill those needs and desires in our life. Even if you’ve never had that as a child but as a grown man feel a need to be comforted, the scriptures are able to connect us to the Comforter as we trust in His word. I’m able to read the testimonies of men like King David who found his satisfaction in his relationship with his Maker as a means of acceptance and identity.

In a day and age where we can get caught up defending our faith with the doctrine found in scripture let’s not lose sight of the solace that comes from the Savior of our souls, the One who is able to bless us and keep us, the One who will never leave us or forsake us.

Who else would you want?

To quote the great song by Fernando Ortega

In the morning, when I rise
Give me Jesus,

Give me Jesus, give me Jesus
You can have all this world
But give me Jesus”

So as you go about your day, remember no matter where you go, He is already there. Rob Russomano serves full-time at America’s Keswick. You can write to him at rrussomano@americaskeswick.org

Daily Bible Reading: Joel 1-3; Philippians 4

Think About This: Plans – When ours are interrupted, His are not. His plans are proceeding exactly as scheduled, moving us always (including those minutes or hours or years which seem most useless or wasted or unendurable) “toward the goal of true maturity” (Rom 12:2 JBP). Elisabeth Elliot

This Week’s Verse to Memorize: Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you. 1 Peter 5:6-7

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