You may be familiar with the saying, “When the going gets tough, the tough get going.” But I say to you that when things get tough, the wise seek after God and His ways and plans. They believe He always has been and always will be, and they trust He holds their future.
Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser; teach a righteous man, and he will increase in learning. The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight. Proverbs 9:9-10
Jesus is not only the Way, the Truth, and the Life; He is your lifeline, support, strength, and hope, and He is the one you can trust who holds your future. He knows everything from beginning to end. This is also why He is called the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and end.
He is the Ruler of all nations, tongues, tribes, and peoples. Nothing is outside of His rule or control. Every event is moved into place by His hand or allowed to bring about His plans. The righteous, humble, and repentant will be rewarded and raised up at the right time.
For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38-39
But those who devise evil and carry through with every vile idea and practice will receive what they have earned. Yes, those who trust and obey Jesus will receive goodness, but not for those who do wickedness; they will receive their just punishment.
The wicked are not so, but are like chaff that the wind drives away. Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous; for the LORD knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish. Psalm 1:4-6
Don’t look at the rich and powerful and be envious of their success, for they will be swept away into eternity in a moment. Then what will they have? Nothing they have accumulated will save them from the real consequences due to the sinner.
Rejoice, righteous people, trust the Lord, focus on Him, and give Him honor, worship, and praise. He is in control and will do everything good for you according to His plan.
I have heard the whispering of many people- terror on every side- while they made plans together against me. They were plotting to take my life. I trust you, O LORD. I said, “You are my God.”
My future is in your hands. Rescue me from my enemies, from those who persecute me. Smile on me. Save me with your mercy. O LORD, I have called on you, so do not let me be put to shame. Let wicked people be put to shame. Let them be silent in the grave. Let [their] lying lips be speechless since they speak against righteous people with arrogance and contempt.
Your kindness is so great! You reserve it for those who fear you. Adam’s descendants watch as you show it to those who take refuge in you. You hide them in the secret place of your presence from those who scheme against them. You keep them in a shelter, safe from quarrelsome tongues.
Thank the LORD! He has shown me the miracle of His mercy in a city under attack. When I was panic-stricken, I said, “I have been cut off from your sight.” But you heard my pleas for mercy when I cried out to you for help.
Love the LORD, all you godly ones! The LORD protects faithful people, but He pays back in full those who act arrogantly. Be strong, all who wait with hope for the LORD, and let your heart be courageous.
Psalm 31:13-24
The Soul Sower 