Keep Standing

What a time to be alive! We are surrounded by pain, death, and destruction, anger and hostility, prejudice and race baiting, rebellion and defiance, genocide, infanticide, homicides of every kind, burglaries, corruption, and lies.  Massacres, beheadings, random killings, and suicides are on the increase, while baby body parts are for sale in the name of research.  Right is called wrong and wrong is called right. Legality is called unfair and illegal activity is called showing compassion. Tolerance is demanded but only for those deemed politically correct. The Bible is discounted, the constitution reinterpreted, and history rewritten.  False religion is catered to, while Christianity is penalized.  Hard honest work is demeaned and laziness rewarded. Age is disrespected, youth is worshiped. Past history is vilified or denied. What’s newest, biggest, best is glorified. Honesty and integrity have no value. Leaders are not held accountable and wolves in sheep’s clothing are leading their flocks to destruction.

Who would have ever imagined a world like this?

How does one stand against the tidal wave of sludge?

In 1922 Helen Lemmel penned these words:

O soul, are you weary and troubled?
No light in the darkness you see?
There’s light for a look at the Savior,
And life more abundant and free!

Refrain:
Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face,
and the things of earth will grow strangely dim,
In the light of His glory and grace.

Through death into life everlasting
He passed, and we follow Him there;
O’er us sin no more hath dominion—
For more than conqu’rors we are!

His Word shall not fail you—He promised;
Believe Him, and all will be well:
Then go to a world that is dying,
His perfect salvation to tell!

That’s the key. That’s how we stand in a world gone awry. We stand with eyes fixed on Jesus, his peace ruling in our hearts, his word dwelling in us richly,  doing all to his glory,  and clinging to his great and precious promises.

For an extra dose of encouragement read Hebrews 12:1-3; Colossians 3:15-17; 2 Peter 1:3-4. And while you’re at it, try singing the words of Helen Lemmel’s song, “Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus.”

Have a blessed day!

The Exchange

Early this morning, while looking at this plaque on my wall, my thoughts turned to an old hymn. There is such great theology found in many of the old hymns. 

It's a wonder they are so seldom heard or sung anymore. 

What a Friend We Have in Jesus

Lyrics: Joseph M. Scriven, 1820-1886

Music: Charles C. Converse, 1832-1918 

What a friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear! 

What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer!
O what peace we often forfeit, O what needless pain we bear,
all because we do not carry everything to God in prayer.

Have we trials and temptations? Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged; take it to the Lord in prayer.
Can we find a friend so faithful who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness; take it to the Lord in prayer.

Are we weak and heavy laden, cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Savior, still our refuge; take it to the Lord in prayer.
Do thy friends despise, forsake thee? Take it to the Lord in prayer!
In his arms he'll take and shield thee; thou wilt find a solace there. 

What a trade-off: My cares for His peace. 

Sounds like a good exchange to me!