What is on God's Heart?

I found myself asking this morning, not 'what is really on my heart', but "what is really on God’s heart?" The answer is in the scriptures – his love is steadfast, and he is mindful of us continually. His eyes are on the flock, and on every lost lamb. But he can only shepherd us if we are mindful of him continually, and if our love for him is steadfast.

There is a lot going on in the world, not only the virus and the lockdowns, but also economic and financial things, also technological and medical things – we are supposed to be “awake” to the signs of the times, as our Lord told us to be; but our faith and focus must always be in Him, and not in these things. If we focus on these things and take our eyes off Him, we will be like that double-minded man that James talks about – blown to and fro by every wind of doctrine. Panic is not from God – ever.

I have heard people talking like this is the 4th seal being opened and the end of the world is upon us. Stressing again that I have no qualifications, other than being a follower of Christ and a studier of his word – I feel sure that God wants those people to calm down. In the 1300’s, there was a year of darkness (I believe it was due to volcanic activity) – and everyone thought the end of the world was upon them. In the 1800’s there was a meteor event so spectacular and terrifying that everyone who witnessed it thought the end of the world was upon them. There have been plagues much more devastating than this one in our history – many times. Friends – this virus is not one of the plagues of Revelation 6, not even close. The death rates barely compare with the normal flu. If anything, (and this is my personal conjecture), this is perhaps the forerunner to the first seal.

But I don’t even want to go there. I love scripture, I have an innate love of prophecy, even though I have only a very limited understanding of it – but when it really comes down to it, the only thing that matters is the simple basics of our faith – Jesus Christ and Him crucified, and the purpose He gave us, which was to be feeding the master’s household when he returns, and to be spreading the gospel of Christ. We do not know how long the birth pangs will last – the enemy has tried to bring about his plans many times. He will not accomplish them until God allows it – when the time is right according to God. And even then, “those days will be cut short”.

Our purpose is urgent every day, and we must be ready every day – you could be hit by a bus long before the coming of the Lord. And regardless of the time we are in and what is happening in the world around us, we are always to lean on him and not on our own understanding, we are always to bring him our burdens and anxieties and receive his peace, we are never to have fear, we are always to instruct people in his righteousness and embrace them with his love. The wicked will continue to be wicked, and we are instructed to be faithful to our faithful creator and continue to do good - regardless of the times we are living in.

You will not find God in the world events, orchestrated by the god of this world – you will find him in the secret place of being in his will in spite of the world events. You will not hear God in the news channel – you will hear him in your spirit, but you have to be listening; quiet your soul, meditate on his word, praise him and give thanks in all circumstances, turn your eyes on Him. So be encouraged to keep his wisdom in your mind, and his purpose in your hands, and his spirit in your hearts, knowing that this is our exile. Don’t be surprised by world events, but don’t be fearful of them either. In any and every circumstance, when facing abundance or need, you will do all things through Him who gives you strength. And, if you are faithful, you will hear a voice behind you, saying, "this is the way, walk in it."