Living With Purpose

One of our innate desires is to be liked and esteemed by others for some good reason. A principle that will put you in a position to have this is to give strength to people and they will give affection back to you. Whoever you build up and give yourself too unselfishly and genuinely will more times than not hold you in esteem. These kinds of people often never lack for friends. However, at times we all have to admit, we feel alone and wonder if our existence has any worthwhile meaning. You may have found yourself wondering where God was when you’ve called out to Him in distress or in trouble.

Let me assure you, there is always the hopeful idea that God is near and never far away. I’ve found this to be true in my own life. You should never feel defeated in life when you can draw upon the higher power of Christ. The Bible tells us in Matthew 9:29, “You will have what you want because you have faith.” This verse has been called a basic law of successful living. There isn’t anything more powerful than the ever present power of God. We need to practice depending on God for His support, energy, strength, and His wisdom. The key to having these things is to yield yourself to them. Have faith and believe God will give you these things.

A single verse found in Psalm 125 gives a picture of the grandeur of God’s assistance in living. Verse 2 states, “The Lord surrounds His people like the mountains surround Jerusalem, now and forever.” This verse can evoke security and protection in the minds of those suffering from fear and unworthiness.

I am reminded of four things when I envision myself being surrounded by God’s Spirit. First, we are surrounded by God’s promises. He tells us in 2 Peter 1:4, “He has given us promises. These promises are of great worth and no amount of money can buy them. Through these promises you can have God’s own life in you”. By believing and accepting God’s promises, we receive His presence. His presence comes to you when you genuinely seek Him. He cleanses your heart and fills you with His Spirit.

Secondly, we are surrounded by God’s peace. Millions of people are searching for peace because trouble is everywhere. In education, psychology, medicine, weapons, and conflict they find only disappointment and frustration.  Even though the world tries to ignore it, there is no real and lasting peace outside of God.  When a believer encounters troubles, testings, and trials they rely on this peace to hold them steady through the storm.  Phil. 4:7 says, “The Peace of God is much greater than the human mind can understand.  This peace will keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

Thirdly, we are surrounded by God’s Protection.  As I get older, I have become more aware of this fact; angels are with us.  The Bible says, “For He will tell His angels to care for you and keep you in all your ways.  They will hold you up with their hands” (Psalm 91:11-12).  Since the world is unsafe by night and day, some get the idea if they change locations they’ll find safety from the violence produced by man and nature.  You need to understand the safest place to be is in God’s will.  The person who is totally committed to His will is kept safe and secure.  God’s protective care works in your favor when you’re doing what He wants you to do. When the person’s life work is finished, God has reserved a home in heaven for him and her where there is eternal safety.

Fourthly, we are surrounded by God’s Power.  Some of us seek out power to dominate other people.  Even nations seek out power to control or destroy other nations.  This kind of power is self-defeating and certainly not of God.  We know God’s power is greater than Satan’s.  It’s the Holy Spirit who empowers Christians to help others, pray for the sick, comfort the grieving, and witness to the unsaved.  God says, “You are kept by the power of God because you put your trust in Him and you will be saved from the punishment of sin at the end of the world: (1 Peter 1:5).

So, when in deep moments you feel alone and want to feel God’s presence surround you — yield to Him, believe that He is there, affirm that you feel the touch of His hand upon you, feel the mystery of His presence.  Trust in Him.  You will not only be thinking of the Holy Spirit and Jesus, you will have them with you.  I’ve seen too many evidences of His presence to have any doubt.   When He said, “I am with you always, even to the end of the world,” (Matt. 28:20), he meant it.  Exercise your faith and ask Him to touch your hands, your heart, and your mind.  He will give you strong discipline and control, so that you can deal with your nerves in a positive manner.  And you CAN, if you will practice living with Christ, day by day.

• This weekly column is written by Matt Dobson. A graduate of Florida State University, Univ. of West Florida, and Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary, he is Pastor of New Bethel Baptist Church in Jay, Florida and is a Captain (CPT) in the U.S. Army Reserves. Matt can be reached by email:  rmdobson@liberty.edu. He welcomes your thoughts concerning faith, belief, and Christian living. Visit the Living With Purpose website at www.living-with-purpose.org.