OUT OF CONTROL…
In 2008, Natalie Grant released the song In Christ Alone. Read the words to the first line below.
In Christ alone my hope is found, He is my light, my strength, my song.
Things happen! Difficult things happen! Unfair things happen! Tragic things happen! Where do you go for understanding, for comfort? How do you respond to those unexpected tragedies? Is there truth to be considered in the lyrics written above?
Consider. Hope placed in any resource, except that of the promises of God, is at best fleeting. Temporary comfort, brief periods of peace, momentary relief, and abbreviated times without stress, can be found. Religion or religious entities offer some answers. But, following a religious beliefs and customs, adhering to standards written by men, practicing rituals in order to attain peace are all things WE do. Consider. If we had the power within ourselves to bring about true lasting peace in all circumstances, why did God send His Son to die on the cross? In Christ Alone…
1Pe 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
2Co 1:3 Blessed [be] the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort;
A living hope. Living. Something that endures. Something active. Something in existence. Not dead. Not extinct.
In Christ alone my hope is found. Truth – when we take ourselves out of the equation. Dependence on me, on myself, in doing anything other than relying upon God’s promises, offers only temporary hope. Devastation and unforeseen tragedy will kill all hope found in anything but Christ.
Ex 15:2 "The LORD is my strength and song, And He has become my salvation; This is my God, and I will praise Him; My father's God, and I will extol Him.
He is my light, my strength, my song.
God created light. Ge 1:3-5 Then God said, "Let there be light"; and there was light. And God saw that the light was good; and God separated the light from the darkness. And God called the light day, and the darkness He called night. And there was evening and there was morning, one day.
God gives light. He gives us understanding. Ps 119:105 Thy word is a lamp to my feet, and a light to my path. Ps 119:130 The unfolding of Thy words gives light; It gives understanding to the simple.
Christ is our strength. 1Ch 16:11 Seek the LORD and His strength; Seek His face continually.
How is Christ our strength? He is our force, our security, our majesty, our praise, our boldness, our power. Ps 29:11 The LORD will give strength to His people; The LORD will bless His people with peace. Ps 37:39 But the salvation of the righteous is from the LORD; He is their strength in time of trouble.
The Lord is my song. My reason for praise.
Ps 103:1-5 (A Psalm of David.) Bless the LORD, O my soul; and all that is within me, bless His holy name. Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget none of His benefits; Who pardons all your iniquities; Who heals all your diseases; Who redeems your life from the pit; Who crowns you with lovingkindness and compassion; Who satisfies your years with good things, so that your youth is renewed like the eagle.
Ps 34:1-6 (A Psalm of David when he feigned madness before Abimelech, who drove him) (away and he departed.) I will bless the LORD at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul shall make its boast in the LORD; the humble shall hear it and rejoice. O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt His name together. I sought the LORD, and He answered me, and delivered me from all my fears. They looked to Him and were radiant, and their faces shall never be ashamed. This poor man cried and the LORD heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles.
“This Cornerstone, this solid ground, firm through the fiercest drought and storm. What heights of love, what depths of peace, when fears are stilled, when strivings cease. My Comforter, my All in All, here in the love of Christ I stand.” 2008, Natalie Grant
Always out of our control… NEVER OUT OF GOD’S CONTROL
Hope found in Christ gives us light in the darkness, strength when we’re weak and reason to praise at all times!
