Source for help in time of trouble
My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.
- Psalm 121:2
As anyone who can read, operate a remote control, or log onto the Internet knows, there is no shortage of places one can turn these days to find out whats going on in our suddenly scaled-up war on terrorism. Experts talk the night away all over radio and TV, and journalists may soon wear down their fingertips pounding out what they know, or think our country should do in response.
It didnt take the events of Sept. 11 to turn me into a news junkie, but now its not unusual for me surf the net for information during the day, and spend an hour or two each evening bouncing back and forth between the experts to get a balanced view.
My clever uncle might follow such an admission with, Are you bragging or complaining?
Well, uncle, neither. I think every citizen should know whats going on in the world, especially when, as is certain this time, well all be affected by what happens next. But thanks to local radio personality, Matt Stovall, its obvious I should do a little more surfing before I consider my cadre of experts complete.
As co-host of WGACs delightful Morning Show, Matt is responsible for the segment, Daily Moments of Devotion. The other morning he jolted me awake with the topic, Where To Look in the Bible When..., and then read a list of chapters and verses with solace or advice for just about any circumstance we could find ourselves in.
The Bible has been my compass for as long as I can remember, yet today, when all our magnetic instruments are suddenly askew, Ive spent more time running after those unreliable navigators than consulting the One whose needle always points in the right direction.
Thankfully, though our church was often criticized for creating a bunch of parrots, I was taught long ago not only to study the Bible but to memorize dozens of verses or longer passages, and to know where to look them up. Although I cant always remember where I put my car keys yesterday, I can still rattle off the 66 books of the Bible in order, and quote many of the memory verses I learned those many years ago.
So, thanks to Matt and all those faithful Sunday School teachers in my past, here are some of the experts Im turning to today:
When wondering what or whom to trust for the security of our nation: Some trust in chariots and some in horses (tanks, firepower), but we trust in the name of the Lord our God (Psalm 20:7).
When the world and all its problems seem bigger than God: Lord..., before the mountains were born or you brought forth the earth and the world; from everlasting to everlasting, you are God (Psalm 90:1-2).
When fear clouds my senses: He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty... He will cover you with his feathers, and under His wings you will find refuge (Psalm 91:1, 4).
When wondering if Gods patience with a sinful world has run out: If my people... will humble themselves and pray, and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land (II Chronicles 7:14).
When the Bible seems written for another time and doubts persist that God is with us now: As I was with Moses, God told Joshua, so will I be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you (Joshua 1:5). And again as Jesus was returning to Heaven: And lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the world (Matthew 28:20).
Wherefore, my fellow citizens, Comfort one another with these words. (I Thessalonians 4:18)
(Barbara Seaborn is a local free-lance writer. E-mail comments to seabara@aol.com.)