Habakkuk 3:17-19  ‘Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls: yet I will rejoice in The Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation. ‘

DAILY READING – John 1:35-51; 1 Chronicles 9; Haggai 1:1-2:23

Bill and Gloria Gaither are two of the most prolific and popular Gospel music writers and performers in the world. They have written over 700 songs, but arguably the most popular of them all is “Because He Lives,”.

The song was written during the 1960s, which was a chaotic era in American history. Indeed the 1960s remains the most consequential and controversial decade in America. It was an era of irresponsible excess, activism, violence and racial tension. Bill and Gloria found all this  very deeply disturbing. And with the fear and uncertainty in the atmosphere, they began to wonder if God hadn’t given up on the world. The winter of 1969 was a particularly bleak one for them. Not only had the winter been long and hard, Bill had been stricken with a severe case of mononucleosis. Also at this time Gloria discovered  that she was pregnant. Although elated by the news, but with all that was going on, she really became concerned about bringing a baby into such a chaotic world.

One day, while walking across their office parking lot,  Bill and Gloria saw a tiny blade of grass that had pushed aside layers of dirt, rock and concrete to reach the sunshine above. It had overcome all the odds to fulfill its purpose. That blade of grass became a symbol to the Gaithers of how God works in His creation.

Later on, as Gloria was sitting in their living room, she began to sense the agony and fear rising again within her heart. But then, suddenly and quite unexpectedly, God’s Presence surrounded her and she was filled with a sweet, calming peace. At that point, her panic gave way to an assurance that the future would be just fine, because God is in control.

And this inspired Gloria to write the song ‘Because He lives.’ The song expressed the hope that was shaped by the resurrection of Jesus. It states in part ‘…Because He lives, I can face tomorrow. Because He lives, all fear is gone. Because I know He holds the future, And life is worth the living just because He lives!’

And indeed, because Christ lives, we can all face tomorrow. God is able to handle whatever comes our way. He holds our lives and our future in His hands. And even in the midst of chaos and bleakness in the world, God still reigns supreme and is in control of all that concerns us. This is why in all things we praise Him.

In Acts 16, after Paul and Silas had been beaten and thrown into prison, the situation looked bleak and hopeless. But how did they respond? At midnight, they arose and praised God. And God responded by delivering them from the dungeon of despair.

Today, many people may be worried about tomorrow, their finances, medical reports and many other issues. But God is greater than whatever may confront you.  Therefore stop looking at the problems and start looking up to God. He knows the beginning from the end. And even right now, He is working all things together for your good. Therefore, rather than despair. maintain your praise.

Nehemiah 8:10 says ” ‘Do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord is your strength’ “.

The believer who retains his joy is destined to triumph in the end. If you refuse to be depressed, the enemy cannot oppress you. Therefore remain joyful. In every situation. Keep judging God faithful, keep praising Him. No matter what may be happening in the world our lives and times are in God’s Hands. And because Christ lives, we shall indeed live also.

PRAYER: Lord  I know that  because You live, I can always face tomorrow. Thank You for the grace to keep praising You in every situation, because I know that indeed all things are working together for my good  in Jesus Name.

Quote

The tests you are going through in life today is not for your destruction, it is for your testimony. – WORDBITE 222