Truth and the World

You've probably heard the old hymn called "He's Got the Whole World in his Hands." When it's all said and done that pretty much sums up the whole of having faith in God. This is the truth first because it's true, and secondly because God is GOOD and nothing but. A lot of folks like to find some excuse to fault God for things that are not going well in their lives, or in the world for that matter. I couldn't count the 'atheists' that I've run across who have such resentment toward God for something bad that has happened somewhere along the line. Truth is I've never found an atheist yet who did not confess with their own words that there is indeed a God to shun. They are all simply angry with God over something, and have decided to "show him" by not acknowledging him. They cannot however help but confess that there is indeed a "him" to not acknowledge. But none of that nonsense changes the reality that God truly does have the whole world in his hands. It's just that it doesn't do much good for anyone who isn't in love with him and isn't trusting him fully. The scripture clearly says, "And we know that all things work together for GOOD to them that LOVE God, to them who are the called according to HIS purpose" (Rom. 8:28). If we choose to not love the righteousness and goodness of God, and if we choose to go on our own purposes rather than his, then OF COURSE things are not going to go well. For those who truly love Jesus however, and prefer his purpose for their lives over their own purpose; even the BAD things work out for their good. And those who trust fully in God over time know that to be a steadfast fact. But for those who do NOT truly love God's commandments, and do NOT fully trust in him in all things; even the GOOD things are going to end up falling through and working out for their BAD.

Friend, we and the world we live in are God's creation and everything is made according to his design and purpose, so if we operate out of design things simply CAN'T go well for long. Those who yield their will to God and seek him diligently know and live by the powerful and present reality of the following passage: "Be careful [worrisome] for nothing; but in EVERY thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God" (Philip. 4:6). And they also know the untold benefit of that way of life, as is depicted in the next verse after the previous one: "And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus" (Philip. 4:7). Once you have rooted and grounded yourself in this unwavering principal of life and the glorious result thereof, you know that there is no other option but to go back to the turmoil, worry, fear, confusion, frustration, anger, etc; that makes up the lifestyle that does NOT follow that principal. And as it has been said, it's a 'no-brainer' as to which way to go in that choice. Easy math indeed. You can look far and wide and spend a lifetime looking for some other way to achieve the same otherworldly peace, as many indeed have done; but I can save you the time and tell you right here and now that there IS no other way than the simplicity of what I've said to you in these few words. Jesus Christ is as he said, "THE way, THE truth, and THE life;" and there is absolutely NO pure peace for the heart, the soul, OR the mind apart from obedience of faith toward him (Jn. 14:6). Neither is there any totality of joy for the heart and soul that is "unspeakable and full of glory," apart from truly and continually abiding in him (I Pet. 1:8). And why is that? Because "He's got the whole world in his hands." Amen and God bless.