Psalm 33:18-22
“Watch this: God’s eye is on those who respect him, the ones who are looking for his love. He’s ready to come to their rescue in bad times; in lean times he keeps body and soul together. We’re depending on God; he’s everything we need. What’s more, our hearts brim with joy since we’ve taken for our own his holy name. Love us, God, with all you’ve got—that’s what we’re depending on.”
I read this passage yesterday, and it felt like a timely word given the current circumstances in the world at large. The unsure and worried feelings that many of us feel while the world economy plunges and no one seems to know how to fix it. There are so many questions without answers it seems, as we head into “lean times”. But God’s promise is clear. He WILL “rescue us in bad times”, and keep our “body and soul together”. But I don’t think God’s “rescue” is always what we think it is. It may be a rescue of the soul more than a rescue of our comfort & security. Perhaps this time should be one of reflection and dependence. A time when we should turn our hearts inward and examine the condition of our souls. Is our heavenly father our one dependence, or do we rely on our wealth, or our material things to bring us satisfaction, fulfillment, and safety? I think this is often the case for me, and if anything has struck me in the last half a year or so, as the walls we’ve built seem unsteady, it’s that when all else fails in this life, our one true foundation is Christ, and Christ alone. As the old song says, “Turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full in his wonderful face, and the things of earth will go strangely dim, in the light of his glory & grace”… Be encouraged, God is in control of the world at large, but more importantly he cares for each of us, and will keep us safe under the shadow of his wings. - Jon.
December 11th, 2008 at 1:03 pm
i think that is so true
December 11th, 2008 at 6:12 pm
Wow, those were great encouraging words Jon. Thanks so much for posting that! And I completley agree with what you had said. God Bless You!
Jenna
December 12th, 2008 at 4:41 am
[…] He WILL “ rescue us in bad times”, and keep our “body and soul together”. But I don’t think God’s “ rescue ” is always what we think it is. It may be a rescue of the soul more than a rescue of our comfort & security. …[Continue Reading] […]
December 12th, 2008 at 7:06 am
very well put Jon, i agree with that, very encouaraging.com
December 12th, 2008 at 7:07 am
encouraging*
December 12th, 2008 at 7:24 am
very true! I really feel that God is with me in everything. He amazes me every day =) And everytime when I think he can’t get more awesome I’m wrong. He is soooo great!!
Thanks for the blog 
cya!
Rafaëla
December 12th, 2008 at 1:12 pm
Thanks for those encouraging words! really.
-julie.
December 12th, 2008 at 9:22 pm
Thanks for the passage. It really is encouraging to hear that; also to hear a repeat of the message that I’ve learned all too well over the past few years myself…
Joy to the world!
~Abs
December 13th, 2008 at 6:30 am
Thank you for writing that.
God bless you!
~Daphne
December 14th, 2008 at 12:32 pm
Thanks Jon! I super like what you had to say. It’s so true and encouraging what you had to say.
December 20th, 2008 at 7:34 pm
Great passage from the bible Jon, it is truee, thanks for sharing it with us!
God Bless!
December 29th, 2008 at 10:03 am
Great Point! It’s very true. But even though the Earth is going through a physical recession right now, we need to believe that the Lord will not hold himself back from us. This next year coming is a year for God to move…don’t hinder him with your worries, doubts and insecurity. Belive n him. He will strengthen your soul and that strength can strengthen your body.
PS STarfield. You guys should do a few old songs like that. I think it would be a way of bringing the past hope into the future. Because at your concert in Ontario early this year you sang some old songs that you guys started off with when you were young. I think that was a tribute to God for bringing you so far…I think that just those old choruses made new can encourage a lot of people.
January 2nd, 2009 at 7:16 pm
Happy 2009!!! i saw u guys in concert @ Valley church in West Des Moines, Iowa. i loved it and i wouldn’t be the same w/out ur music. i come and go from christ and when i read ur blogs, hear ur podcasts, and listen 2 ur music it reminds me to remain fathful to god and not to push him out of my life. Thanks for all that you do
January 16th, 2009 at 9:11 pm
I’ve read this the day you wrote it… I just realized I forgot to leave a comment to thank you…. I love reading this over and over again… It just brings my heart to this place of security and peace…
And that song, it’s the song of my heart for the year… 2009 is not gonna be more of me… But of Jesus.