To fear God means to believe Him, to simply take Him at His precious Word (Luke 1:45-50)
Regarding Romans 8:28, Annie and I already tried living the stressful/awful way…Not believing and applying Romans 8:28 to our everyday lives didn’t work so well… This time we’re living HIS Way… The fun way by applying Romans 8:28 to every day of our lives! Please join us, join Jesus Who is Romans 8:28.
Why is God so adamant about having Him first in our lives? Because that’s only place we’re safe. It’s true.
Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care (“anxiety” in other translations) upon him; for he careth for you.
1 Peter 5:6-7
That verse lays out the qualifications for residing in God’s dwelling place. Simply be humble and cast all your cares on Him. He’ll take care of anyone who does so.
“The secret to happiness is to be content no matter the situation. My life is not going to make me happy. My happiness is going to make my life.”
Taken from “Full Count” Netflix movie.
11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned (There’s no place like the “having learned” sweet spot), in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.
12 I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.
13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
Philippians 4:10-13
My emotions used to seesaw all the time. I was either abased or abounding.
I used to be angry when I was in “abased” situations. And I used to be happier when I was abounding. Thing is, I was angry or happier depending on which side of the seesaw I was on.
When I started memorizing the verses God gave us while living in Oregon, a slow and wonderful change began to take place. God began to show me that I could be content, that my emotions could stay balanced, whether I was abased or abounding. Either way, He began showing me that He’s always with me and in control of my life so I can let His peace reign in my heart whether I’ve got little or a lot. He showed me that what was most important was simply His will for my life. The circumstances aren’t important. What was important was getting to know God and acknowledging Christ in my life all the time.
He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.
Psalm 91:1-2
God’s taking each one of us who will follow Him – and continue in His Word – to His peaceful dwelling place. There, we rest in knowing that He’s always with us and working all things (whether abased or abounding) together for our good.
Your heart and life are so full of His abundance when you know He’ll never leave you nor forsake you.
I’m so grateful Christ is with me, with us. Nothing compares with knowing He’s with you. Nothing…
Under the shadow of the Almighty. Mmmm. Such a supernaturally sweet, sweet spot.
God bless,
Mark
Note: While we may not agree with everything a particular church or Christian group teaches or believes, there are times when we can be blessed by something outside the realm of our current understanding of God.