Julia Melatis – Author

When my heart was grieved and I was pierced within, I was senseless and ignorant; I was a brute beast before You. Yet I am always with You; You hold my right hand. You guide me with Your counsel, and later receive me in glory. Whom have I in heaven but You? And on earth I desire no one besides You. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. Those far from You will surely perish; You destroy all who are unfaithful to You. But as for me, it is good to draw near to God. I have made the Lord GOD my refuge, that I may proclaim all Your works.
Psalms 73:21‭-‬28 BSB

When I read this Psalm, I saw the state of our country and the world. It can be so disheartening to see what we’re becoming. Especially when these things begin to infiltrate your family. We want so much for everyone, especially our families, to understand and seek Jesus as their Savior and Lord of their lives. Too many seek Jesus as Savior only. They don’t want to have to change their ways. Truth has taken quite a beating in our society. Everyone wants their own “truth” and wants everyone to accept their idea of truth as the truth.

What is a disciple of Jesus supposed to do? Where do we find relief from the madness around us? We have God as our shelter, refuge, hiding place, fortress, and rock of ages. What we often forget is that to find that shelter and the peace and rest to be found there,  we must seek the Lord, His strength, and His face (presence). That means spending time with Him. We will never know that kind of peace without spending the time to commune with Him.

It is urgent that we abide closely in the Lord and listen for everything He would say to us. God being our shelter and refuge from the storms of life doesn’t keep the storms from coming. He is the peace to sail through the storms and sometimes calm the storm. The Israelites had to go through the Red Sea to escape the Egyptian army, BUT GOD made the road through the sea to make it possible.

When we abide closely with our Lord, fear must flee, and we’re given boldness to serve the Lord with glad hearts. We need boldness to go out into the world and share our story of redemption and the Gospel message to see people saved and lives changed. It is the close, abiding relationship with God that prepares us to be bold in our faith. That is our true purpose on this earth. No, we don’t all have to stand on street corners preaching. But we do need to be tuned into the voice of the Holy Spirit, so when He prompts us to speak to someone, offer comfort, an ear, or some help, we take it. It is often simple acts of kindness that can open the door to sharing our love for Jesus with others. I’ve been watching some YouTube videos by a few different men that go out and randomly talk to people, often offering to pay for gas and other things or just handing out money in a store, or offering to buy whatever a homeless person needs. It gives them opportunities to have conversations that lead to Jesus. Often, the people God has put in their path have a great need. Again, I’m not saying we all need to go out and give out money. BUT GOD can lead each of us to reach out to others with the gifts, talents, and resources we have been given. We are all different, and the way we testify about the Good News of Jesus will also be different. We must keep our eyes open for the opportunities God gives us to be the light. But we cannot shine if we don’t refill our lamps with the oil that we can only get from spending time in God’s presence. Shine brightly, dear one. Light the way for others to find what we have in Jesus. Hallelujah! Give God the glory and praise.

Scriptures consulted in writing: Matthew 28:19-20, 2 Timothy 3:1-9, 2 Timothy 4:2-5, 1 Chronicles 16:11, Colossians 3:15, John 15:1-8, Matthew 14:22-33, Exodus 14:15-22, Acts 28:30-31, Ephesians 6:19-20, John 10:2-5, John 14:15-17, 26, John 16:13, Acts 9:36, Proverbs 31:20, 26, Matthew 25:1-13, Matthew 5:14-16.

With Blessings of Hope and Joy,

Julia

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