Potholes of Life

O. T. #1602  "Potholes of Life"
Jan. 8, 2020
Isaiah 26
Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee: because he trusteth in Thee. Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength.
(26:3-4)

LET IT GLOW

Is your mind troubled? Is your life in turmoil? Do you keep falling into the same potholes of life, like me? Read on friend to find out how to survive.

*Christians, pray for our military people in Iraq as you go throughout the day.
Iran launched missiles in our military bases last night. Ask God to intervene and stop this attack of evil. Also, pray for Israel's protection, too. Ask God to direct our President 'a decisions.

This is the last of two songs of praise that will be sung in the land of Judah. Isaiah say the remnant will sing over Jerusalem. After the Jews spent 70 years in Babylonian captivity, they returned to Jerusalem and rebuilt the temple, city, and the walls. In the book of Nehemiah, we read in chapter 12 where the Jews sang, gave thanks, and had gladness as they dedicated the wall around Jerusalem. What a joyous time for them. During the millennial kingdom, when Christ reigns in the New Jerusalem, there will be singing by the righteous, also.

Let's take a closer look at our key verses. Not only can it be encouraging words for the Jews, but also for us:

• God will keep us in perfect peace. Keep means guard, protect, maintain, preserve. Peace refers to happy, safety, rest. God will maintain and preserve us with His safety, rest, and peace.
• This happens when our mind is stayed on Him. Stayed is to lean upon or take hold of; sustain. What we do to receive His peace is to keep leaning upon Him.
• It happens because we are trusting in God. Trusteth refers to hope, confident, secure.

When we put our confidence and hope in God, trusting in Him totally, leaning upon Him entirely, we will be sustained by Him alone, with the peace  of God. He promises us complete security when we trust in Him. Where else can you get such a guarantee?
Who is the object of our faith? The LORD JEHOVAH is. He is our everlasting strength.
Where do we put our confidence? Is it in our bank account or Jesus? He is Jehovah Jireh, our provider.

LET IT GROW

Read over verses 7-11 now.  The NIV  makes it easier to understand:
The path of the righteous is:

• level; (verse 7a) 
• smooth; (verse 7b)
• a wait as we walk in His laws; (verse 8)
• the Lord as the desire of their hearts; (verse 8)
• yearning and longing for Him night and day; (verse 9)
• learn righteousness from God as His judgments come upon the earth; (verse 9)
• peace; (verse 12)
• accomplishments that God has done; (verse 12)
• honoring God; (verse 13)
• a whispered prayer; (verse 16)
• one whose dead live eternally and bodies rise during the millennial; (verse 19)
• shouting for joy. (verse 19)

Do we desire a life that is smooth? Live righteously. Potholes are on our path, but we don't have to step in them and stay in the pit. When we find our self down there, Jesus stretches out His arms to lend us a hand to get out-look up and reach up. Let love pull us out and live above our problems.
Do want peace in our soul? Live right with God, making Him the desire of our heart.
Are we praying without ceasing?
When our loved ones die, be assured that if they are believers in Jesus, they will rise again. As Christ arose from the dead, so shall we. (Philippians 3:20-21)

LET IT GO

Jesus, help me live above these potholes I keep stepping into on my country road of faith.
Help me get up again today and walk by faith in You.
Keep my mind in peace as I lean on You.