12 And Amaziah said to Amos, “O seer, go, flee away to the land of Judah, and eat bread there, and prophesy there, 13 but never again prophesy at Bethel, for it is the king’s sanctuary, and it is a temple of the kingdom.” Amos 7:12-13 ESV
Some messages from the Bible are hard to swallow.
I get it, Amaziah. Sometimes I want to keep living my “comfy” life and not keep rooting out the sin that hides in the shadows. Unfortunately, the most loving thing God can do is to continue to press deeper into our lives and continue transforming us by His supernatural power and Word.
When I want to run, it must be to Him. When I want to hide, the only safe place is in the shadow of His wings. When I need stability, He is my rock. At times I get too comfortable and run to the stuff of earth for my answers and security, but the only right and good place is in His footsteps.
3 But the Lord is faithful. He will establish you and guard you against the evil one. 5 May the Lord direct your hearts to the love of God and to the steadfastness of Christ. 13 As for you, brothers, do not grow weary in doing good. 2 Thessalonians 3:2, 5, 13 ESV
The Christian life is not an easy one. Read a few missionary biographies and that becomes abundantly clear. They suffer disease, loss, mental illness, fear, attacks, and rejection. Yet, God’s faithful steadfastness is unchangeable.
A soul stirring sermon this past weekend reminded me that the presence of God is not based on how we feel (click here if you have time for the whole message). God is faithful despite our emotions. God’s presence doesn’t change based on our circumstances or feelings.
So, we press on. Doing good even on the hard days.
We continue to say with the Psalmist . . .
I will sing to the Lord as long as I live;
I will sing praise to my God while I have being.
34 May my meditation be pleasing to him,
for I rejoice in the Lord. Psalm 104: 33-34 ESV
Sixty-six books in a year 