God is still on the throne

There are times in life, in the ministry I am in, when it is easy to become overwhelmed with the evil in the world. I was speaking at a women's retreat in September, and several of the ladies and I were sitting around the breakfast table chatting. They were interested in the Colony of Mercy (the men's residential addiction program) and the proposed women's residential program. As conversation's have a way of doing we meandered through various topics until we got into a discussion about the prevalence and destruction of addiction. It seemed everyone at the table knew someone or knew of someone that was trapped in this ugly, devastating bondage. My own spirit grew heavy as we shared our thoughts about pornography, alcohol and drugs. The more we talked the more depleted I felt. More than once it caused me to call to mind and remind my breakfast companions that it is a good thing that God is still on the throne, high and lifted up, sovereign in the affairs of men and women. That morning, I probably needed that reminder more than anyone else at the table.
I am so glad I know Jesus Christ!!! I can't imagine going through the trials and difficulties of life without the hope that only God can give. People disappoint, children rebel, husbands leave, things cease, money comes and goes, and bills come. Sometimes life hurts.
Yet God never ceases to be involved in the affairs of men. He never abandons us (And the LORD, He is the One who goes before you. He will be with you, He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed. Deuteronomy 31:8). He is an ever present help in time of trouble (God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1). Our God reigns, forever. (Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Philippians 2:9-11) I want to stand up and shout-Halleluiah. One day, everyone, every one, will bend their knee to Jesus Christ and acknowledge Him as Lord! One day, that smirk will be wiped off Satan's face!! One day we (God's children) will be free from the practice, power and presence of sin. One day, faith will become sight. Oh, how my heart sings.

I oft encourage my heart with these words:
I am still confident of this:
I will see the goodness of the LORD
in the land of the living.
Wait for the LORD;
be strong and take heart
and wait for the LORD.
Psalm 27:13-14
Be reminded. Be encouraged.
Diane