Cody's Corner: Where is your God?

Psalm 115:2-8 -

“Why do the nations say, ‘Where is their God?’ Our God is in heaven; he does whatever pleases him. But their idols are silver and gold, made by human hands. They have mouths, but cannot speak, eyes, but cannot see. They have ears, but cannot hear, noses, but cannot smell. They have hands, but cannot feel, feet, but cannot walk, nor can they utter a sound with their throats. Those who make them will be like them, and so will all who trust in them.”

The serpent’s hiss has seemingly grown louder in recent times. It seems everywhere we turn we are greeted by despair, frustration and uncertainty. It is common in times like these for questions and doubts to try to destroy any faith or hope we could try to muster up. Only adding to already what appears to be insurmountable are the hurtful insults asking us, “Where is your God?” Because if God were real, He would not have let this or that happen to you, and of course, He would not have let the pandemic do so much damage across the world.

Remember our enemy seeks to steal, kill and destroy your faith, hope and love. We should not be surprised that he never takes a day off, and no opportunity to attack slips through his evil hands. Anything he can use, he will, and anything he can make you believe, he will circulate through your brain until you start to believe it. Unfortunately, in times of despair, frustration and uncertainty, we start to believe things we never would have normally.

So, where do we go, and who do we turn to? God and His Word. The above verses speak of someone who knows the difference between the temporary and the eternal. This is the mindset we should have as believers in our Almighty God. First, we see the belief that God is in control.

The sooner we learn that lesson, the more peace you will have, no matter what circumstance you are dealing with. Next, we see the fact that idol worshippers have no business telling a believer how to feel or start questioning the living God who is all powerful and capable of whatever He pleases. Finally, we see that those who believe like this are just as powerless, blind, mute and unfeeling as the idols they worship.

Christians, we can fall into the same traps as those who listen to idol-worshippers. We listen to atheists, celebrities, news anchors and athletes more than we listen or turn to God’s Word. Therefore, we can feel like we are out to sea, being tossed here and there by every wind and wave that assaults our faith at the deepest levels.

The only solution to these issues is to take every thought captive to Christ. When we start guarding our hearts and mind, we will see that, no matter what fiery arrows our enemy shoots at us, they will be extinguished by our shield of faith. This can be hard work if we have never turned to God’s Word before, or if you have left your heart unguarded for a long period of time. Praise God that He is in the business of saving souls, renewing minds and transforming timid little sheep into soldiers for Christ!

Let us remember those who have gone before us and be inspired to imitate their faith. Do you think it was easy for David to take on Goliath? Do you think Daniel wanted to get thrown into the Lion’s Den? How did Joseph handle the sudden change from favored son, to a slave and then a criminal? Everyone made fun of Noah until it started to rain.

Many times in the life of a Christian, trials are experienced to accomplish something in us that would have never been accomplished apart from that trial. It is so we can glorify His name and show the world why we have a living hope.

Even if I never know the reason behind a trial or something that has happened in my life, I can still rest in the absolute Truth that God is in control. I still know He loves me and cares for me more than I have ever deserved. I can still sing, “Amazing grace! How sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me! I once was lost, but now I’m found, was blind, but now I see.”

If it is not well with your soul, maybe it is time to look up those lyrics and commit to memory some of the verses of that old hymn, “It Is Well With My Soul.” Did you know that those lyrics were written after the worst tragedy in that hymn-writer’s life?

He wrote the hymn after passing over the place where his family had drowned at sea. I wonder if God could still find anyone as faithful in our day. I doubt we would stop whining, blaming God and feeling sorry for ourselves long enough to be used for Kingdom work. We are too focused on ourselves and not on eternity. God, forgive us for this and strengthen us for whatever the future holds.

It is time to start living for God instead of thinking that God exists for us and our pleasures. It is time to take the spotlight off ourselves and start shining our light for Jesus. It is time to stop listening to those who do not even believe in God and start listening, seeing and speaking the everlasting Truth of God’s Word.

“In the greatness of our troubles, there may often be space for the greater display of the goodness of God!” - Charles Spurgeon.

May God bless you and make His face shine upon you as you serve Him this week.