The Issue of This Moment

There are many issues that pull and tug at our heart and mind in any given moment. When I look at the news or glance at the paper, I am tempted to be drawn into some of those issues. . . politics, the economy, education, the future of health care. . . So many things call out for our attention, for our dedication, for our passion.

I told my husband today about something I had observed on the television at work. I said "I wish I had a political blog, I'd be writing about that for sure." But that is better left for those who do it much better than I could ever hope to do. It is an issue that is better for me to not delve too deeply into, or I might fall into the abyss and never find my way out.

It reminds me of something I heard a preacher say last week, "There are many issues in our lives today, but there is only one issue for us in this moment. Are we trusting and obeying the Lord in this moment of our lives, that is the issue."

Regardless of the state of economy, whether my bills are paid or are due; regardless of the state of the nation, whether my candidate is in power or not - there is only one question for me. Am I trusting and obeying the Lord in this moment?

Regardless of the state of my health, whether I am in excellent health, or facing a catastrophic illness; regardless of the state of my family, whether it is intact and loving, or torn apart and ravaged --- there is only one question for me. Am I trusting and obeying the Lord in this moment?

If the answer is no, then I can expect no peace, no love, no joy from any sector of my life, because lasting peace and joy and love comes only from trusting and obeying the Lord.

If the answer is yes, then I can know the "peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." I can be filled with the "joy unspeakable and full of glory" and I can rest in the "love of Christ, which passeth knowledge".

So, for this moment and every moment, no matter what the pain that wraps itself around our hearts, no matter what the fear that temps to wrestle with our minds, no matter what the loneliness that tries to sear the depths of our souls, there is only one issue. Am I trusting and obeying the Lord in this moment?

"But we have this treasure in earthen vessels,

that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.

We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed;

we are perplexed, but not in despair;

Persecuted, but not forsaken;

cast down, but not destroyed"

2 Corinthians 4:8,9

"And He said unto me, 'My grace is sufficient for thee:

for My strength is made perfect in weakness.'

Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, t

hat the power of Christ may rest upon me.

Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities,

in reproaches, in necessities,

in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake:

for when I am weak, then am I strong.

2 Corinthians 12: 9,10