Fear of Government

 "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God."  Isaiah 41:10 NIV

Governments exert a lot of power over regular citizens.  Sometimes the governments are doing a good job; sometimes they are not. We may fear that our economy will decline because of poor policies.  We may fear being sent to prison for having a certain viewpoint.  We may fear that crime will become rampant because our governors are not keeping control of it. These are not irrational fears.  They are based on real events.  However, God reminds us that above and beyond our governments is God, the supreme ruler of the universe.  "Do not be dismayed" because your souls are safe in God's hands.  Your life is not just this physical life. It is also the spiritual life that you have in Jesus who promises that we will be with him forever, either on earth or in heaven. Worldly governments can ruin our physical lives but they cannot touch our eternal souls.

Dear Lord, thank you for the promise of your everlasting love and care.  Remind me that in the light of eternity, our earthly troubles are fleeting. You understand our concerns but encourage us to  remember your sovereignty over the world which you created.

The Passing World

 "The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever." 1 John 2:17 NIV

Our world and our natural desires and passions are transient. Our planet earth will not last forever and certainly our physical lives are quickly over. John wants us to fully grasp the insignificant nature of so much of what we cherish and strive for. Often as people go into old age,  they begin to realize that they have misspent their lives by chasing after prestige, money and superficial love. Death stares them in the face and they are afraid because they don't know what will happen when they die.  But for those people who have aligned their lives with God's will, regrets are replaced with the assurance of his love, and death is something to look forward to as they are eager to have an even deeper relationship with God in heaven.

Thank you, Lord, for reminding us of the futility of chasing after worldly things. We thank you for the provisions that you give us but keep it always in our hearts and minds that you are our treasure. What a miracle to be given eternal life with our God.