“If you look at the world, you'll be distressed. If you look within, you'll be depressed. If you look at God you'll be at rest.” ---Corrie ten Boom
Disorder and upheaval prevail all over the world. Television images document unrest across the globe. Seeking a solution to peace in the world gives rise to distress.
The world’s wretchedness generates angst among people. Disturbances lie within churches, schools, homes, and families. But an honest evaluation within individual hearts produces even more despair. Destruction, disorder, demoralization, discouragement, distress, dejection, depression, desolation, disappointment, despair, disease, death—focus on these deadly conditions and humanity drowns. Where is the solution to peace?
Sin and sorrow reigns everywhere. Gloom and doom dominates present day as it did during Corrie ten Boom’s generation. She suffered under evil Nazi rule during the second world war, but thrived when she looked to God for help. She understood the origin of her strength. She knew where to place her focus. She spoke from conviction. Can we repeat her quote with confidence?
If I’m honest with myself, sadness overwhelms me when I concentrate on the misery around me, whether nearby or through television images. When I’m focused on troubles, I’m filled with much discouragement. Yet when I turn my eyes to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, I find help and hope. And when I offer praise and worship, I find peace and rest.
Are you swimming in a cesspool of sin and sorrow? Do you desire to be rescued? There is a Savior who yearns to save you.
God Himself offers you salvation through the sacrifice of His Son Jesus Christ. Believe on the name of Jesus and He will deliver your soul from the depths of disgrace.
The Lord Jesus Christ offers His love, forgiveness, and generous grace. And even though you may still be surrounded by worldly woes, He provides peace when you remain focused on Him. Look to Him with praise and find rest.
Psalm 9 (NIV)
1 I will give thanks to you, Lord, with all my heart;
I will tell of all your wonderful deeds.
2 I will be glad and rejoice in you;
I will sing the praises of your name, O Most High.
3 My enemies turn back;
they stumble and perish before you.
4 For you have upheld my right and my cause,
sitting enthroned as the righteous judge.
5 You have rebuked the nations and destroyed the wicked;
you have blotted out their name for ever and ever.
6 Endless ruin has overtaken my enemies,
you have uprooted their cities;
even the memory of them has perished.
7 The Lord reigns forever;
he has established his throne for judgment.
8 He rules the world in righteousness
and judges the peoples with equity.
9 The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed,
a stronghold in times of trouble.
10 Those who know your name trust in you,
for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you.
11 Sing the praises of the Lord, enthroned in Zion;
proclaim among the nations what he has done.
12 For he who avenges blood remembers;
he does not ignore the cries of the afflicted.
13 Lord, see how my enemies persecute me!
Have mercy and lift me up from the gates of death,
14 that I may declare your praises
in the gates of Daughter Zion,
and there rejoice in your salvation.
15 The nations have fallen into the pit they have dug;
their feet are caught in the net they have hidden.
16 The Lord is known by his acts of justice;
the wicked are ensnared by the work of their hands.
17 The wicked go down to the realm of the dead,
all the nations that forget God.
18 But God will never forget the needy;
the hope of the afflicted will never perish.
19 Arise, Lord, do not let mortals triumph;
let the nations be judged in your presence.
20 Strike them with terror, Lord;
let the nations know they are only mortal.
Hillsong - "Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus"