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The child 35 Christian Have you made your choice yet? previous posts H. A. V. E Governed by Love A Life of Service More Than Meets the Eye His Faithfulness Prayers Are Precious Jewels Reflecting God's Glory Lay Down Your Cares God's Name in Your Heart past June 2007 July 2007 August 2007 January 2008 February 2008 links lisi jonpoh aaron divinia audrey junebay alison gabrielcheong philbert andrew bomao nickyyeo denise susanne serene stephanie poh dwayne lydia anand ronald liu lester
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Tuesday, June 12, 2007 ( His Presence Make The Difference @ 9:43 PM ) During those times, we often wonder, "Why does God let this to happen? Why should I be"punished" as though I'm doing something wrong, when I'm trying to do what is right?" The Bible never answers these questions, even in the book of Job, in which a man who lived close to God's heart encountered tremendous hardships. The Bible simply tell us how to respond to hardships - positively, properly and biblically. The Scriptures also give words of comfort. In Psalms 23:4, David declares, "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me." David had in mind the worst darkness that a flock of sheep would encounter - a deep ravine between two mountains and a narrow pass among the rocks. This is where the wolves would luck and snakes would hide to attack the sheep as they came along. To protect a flock a shepherd always carried two things - a rod and staff. The rod was about two feet long and had a round knot on the end. The staff was much longer and had a rounded hook on the end. He could use this to swing branches out of the way or to pull a sheep out of a hole. From the sheep's perspective, the best protection was the presence of God. As David reflects upon His own relationship to God as that of a sheep to the good Shepherd, he recognizes a similiar truth. When we experience troubles, it's the presence of the Shepherd that makes a difference. Those around us need to see when we go through hard times, we don't have all the answers. But we have Jesus Christ - the ONE to whom we are personally related. He is there, uplifting, encouraging, guiding and loving us through anything we face. He will not abandon us. In fact, in times of trouble, He will be the closets He's ever been. James 4:8 encourages us, "Draw near to God and He will draw near to you." God presence make the difference between those who stand up and those who fold up when hard times hit. We are able to go on - not because we don't feel the pain, but because we feel the comfort of His Presence. When we go through hard times, God does not promise answers, but He does promise His presence. 0 comments |