Recently there has been much talk about the state of the nation regarding the current economic situation and what the future holds. One cannot deny that we are in a crisis, that times are difficult, and our nation is hurting. As sojourners through this life we find ourselves enduring these times of difficulty, hardship and pain. However, we must always keep in mind these fundamental truths concerning God and our relationship with Him.

God is Still God. This sounds like a strange statement to make, yet we must remember its truth. God is still in control of the events of time, He still establishes the seasons, He sets up kings and takes down kings. His supremacy is not determined by the circumstances and the events of the day (see Daniel 2:20-23). Let us always remember it is the God of all creation we serve and it is He Who will deliver us in our hour of need.

God is Faithful. What comfort we find in this very thought “GOD IS FAITHFUL! “Know therefore that the LORD your God, He is God, the faithful God, who keeps His covenant and His lovingkindness to a thousandth generation with those who love Him and keep His commandments” (Deuteronomy 7:9). We can be assured God will provide, just read Matthew 6:25-34 and find the comfort in the words of Jesus.

God is the God of Hope. Hope is a commodity that we seem to be running short of these days. Yet we, who are in Christ, find comfort in the hope that He gives. Knowing that He is with us and will never forsake us, the hope in knowing that no matter what may happen the Christian will overcome, isn’t that the thrust of the book of Revelation “GOD’S PEOPLE WIN”? It is in this hope we live and endure. The Apostle Paul speaks of the hope we have in our relationship with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, he says “And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us” (Romans 5: 3 -5).

It is in these fundamental truths we establish our faith and stand with all confidence that God is still God and He remains faithful and gives the hope that no matter what may come we will endure, overcome and be victorious.

• Mark Auten, Bulletin Digest