“Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You. In God I have put my trust; I will not fear what flesh can do to me.” (Psalm 56:3,4)

September 2011

Dear Friend,

Trusting that all is well with you and your loved ones. We are all well and looking forward to a new season. September always seems like it is time for learning, even after all these years. I love the feeling of new beginnings at school, including the books to read and the excitement of starting something new. I guess we go to school for so long that it never leaves us, and also, it is always great to learn new things!

So much is going on right now in our country and world. Our economy needs a miracle, peace is needed not only in other parts of the world, but here too. Israel needs our prayers. Next month on Sunday, Oct. 2^nd, we will have the Day to Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem. If your church has not signed up yet, please go to www.daytopray.com and let the world know that your church is standing with Israel and will be joining with hundreds of thousands of churches worldwide on that Sunday and will pray. Please call me if you are interested in coordinating your church. There are free downloads on the web site that will help, and I can answer any questions.

When we look around and hear what is happening in the world, there is such a temptation to allow fear come in. We constantly hear news of doom on television and read about it in the newspapers. It is enough to want to give up and hide somewhere sometimes! If we did not have our faith, where would we be? Like everything, faith is a choice. It is a response of the Christian to his circumstances. It comes from God’s Word brought to light by the Holy Spirit speaking to our spirit. It is released through our acts of obedience, and requires a commitment that takes us away from doubt. The choice we make can determine our future!

What is the first thing we think of when we hear bad news? Is it to dread what tomorrow brings? Or run and hide, closing our minds to what is going on? Or is it an opportunity to cry out to God, place our trust in Him and not fear what the future will bring? Life has its ups and downs, and when we look back, we can, for sure, see times in the past when we were so upset and nervous and afraid of what was to come. At one point in my life I lived that way. A friend once asked me, “Was I so afraid of dying that I was afraid to live?” That question brought me to a new level of faith. I was not afraid to die because I knew where I was going when I did. I had a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. I began to fully trust Him then, and live joyfully! The day came when I was free of that situation, and when I looked back on it I praised God for His divine protection.

I told you this because I want you to know that no matter what you are going through, it does not last forever! When you put all your trust in God, and do not fear, you will be fully alive and living to the fullest. It could be that a job has been lost, it could be illness, it could be a marriage problem, or a rebellious child. There are so many things that happen in our lifetime, things that only intervention from God will heal.

No child of God is ever alone, and He will always work things around for the good if we hold tight.

The Psalmist was in the position where his life was threatened, he was betrayed by friends. The pain was so horrible that he cried out “So I said, ‘Oh, that I had wings like a dove! I would fly away and be at rest.’” (Ps. 55:6) David was at the point where he felt that he wanted to run away. How many times do we feel as if we just want to take off somewhere? But God.... but God.... He is Faithful! If we hold on to Him, whatever is going on in our life will be taken care of.

What we can be sure of is this... we serve a Mighty God who lives and reigns and is there forever for us! He is El-Shaddai - The God who is sufficient for the needs of His people. He is “Jehovah-Shammah” - The Lord is Present. He is there to meet every need, and is a present help in time of trouble. The Psalmist tells us” Cast your burden on the Lord, And He shall sustain you; He shall never permit the righteous to be moved.” (Ps. 55:22) Glory! There is hope for the future! Your future! Praise God!

Let us pray: Father, in Jesus Precious Name, we come before You to worship and adore You. Thank You Lord, for Who You are! Thank You that You are the same yesterday, today and forever, and You are always there for us. I lift up this reader to You, and thank You right now for what You are doing in his or her life. You are there, You are our Hope and our Deliverer. You provide for all of our needs, and we thank You right now for what You are doing at this moment, and for what You will do. We thank You that we are never alone, and You love us so much. Father, we love You! We are not afraid of the future, because the future is in Your hands. You are in control. Amen and amen! God bless you!
 

Rev. Barbara A. Yovino, Ph.D.

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