Sunday, April 10, 2011

Seeking the Joy of the Kingdom

Seeking God…..for Confident Gladness in Turmoil

As I began writing this blog, the lead story on my yahoo is "Another Strong Quake Strikes Off Tsunami-Hit Japan" and I begin to process this terrible news along with Psalm 46 which is listed in today's scripture prayer reading.  This portion of God's Holy Word has been a consistent signature of hope and strength throughout the ages for millions of people.  Through it I have a better understanding that God is present and when He declared creation to be good as we read in Genesis; He also remained actively involved with all creation even after sin entered.

Martin Luther certainly processed similar thoughts shared through Psalm 46 which inspired him to write the magnificent song "A Mighty Fortress Is Our God".  Through the stanzas we are comforted in the reminders of the truths of God and the promise that His Kingdom will ultimately be fully established.  We certainly serve the ETERNAL God.  In the meantime as creation is being restored, God's grace is active and He is in control of all things.  Though we may not fully understand why such suffering exists due to natural disasters, we do know that ultimately the battle has been won through the power and the blood of Jesus Christ.  

"Did we in our own strength confide.
Our striving would be losing;
Were not the right man on our side.
The man of God's own choosing.
Dost ask who that may be?
Christ Jesus, it is He; Lord Sabaoth His name;
From age to age the same, and He must win the battle"  (verse 2)

We thank you God for being active among Your creation.  Your grace is sufficient and we rely fully on Your promises this day.  Lord, grant us more faith and may we begin to see life with an eternal perspective in mind and rely fully on the power that is in the name of Jesus.  Amen    

Michael Sjogren, Lieutenant
Corps Officer - The Salvation Army
Cedar Rapids, IA