How well do you know your God?
By Pam Ramsey
Psalm 9:10 “And those who know your name will put their trust in you; For you, O LORD, have not forsaken those who seek you.”
A “new normal” is evolving but it continues to change daily and sometimes hourly.
When we wake up each morning to a different set of “rules” and mandates from all levels of government and the Center of Disease Control it is likely we sense unrest, instability and yes, even fear.
A global pandemic of COVID-19 virus was announced in March, 2020. If we have ever considered that our personal actions or decisions do not have a far-reaching effect then we are deceived. How could a microbe create international chaos and disruption in all walks of life to the extent schools are closed, jobs are lost and we are directed to practice social distancing in an effort to limit the spread of the virus because people are dying?
Where is God? What kind of God would allow such disruption to our societies and families on a global scale? “Pandemic” typically refers to an outbreak of disease and prevails throughout a nation or the world. Would that not evoke fear, insecurity and cause to wonder “is there a God who is in control”?
1 Corinthians 14:33 “for God is not a God of confusion but of peace...”
The names of God represent His character and how He intervenes in the lives of both believers and non- believers. He IS a God who sees, El-Roi. God IS all sufficient, El Shaddai and God IS all powerful and all knowing. God is Lord, Adonai.
COVID-19 has been referred to as the “invisible enemy” and although we are living in unchartered and unprecedented times we have and will daily encounter the “invisible enemy”, Satan, who seeks to steal, kill and destroy, John 10:10. This verse contrasts the effort of the “thief” with Jesus coming to give us abundant life. If Satan, the “invisible enemy” can create doubt, fear, insecurity, greed, anxiety, confusion and chaos then we need to know the character of God Most High, El Elyon, who longs for us to know and trust Him.
Perhaps we can use this imposed pause from school attendance, reduced work hours in the marketplace, suspended social, church and sport related gatherings to intentionally seek to know the God of peace in the midst of unrest and confusion. As we grow in our relationship with the Lord it will influence others toward the God of peace. Reach out to those in your small space right now and encourage them through the Word and with acts of kindness. Our contacts may be limited but the Lord has provided unlimited resources to remain in relationship with one another.
Job 42:2 “I know you can do all things and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted.”
