By Toni Ford
After Jesus’ baptism, the Gospel of Luke tells us that Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, where He was tempted by the devil for 40 days. Once the 40 days ended, Luke 4:14 says, “Jesus returned to Galilee, filled with the Holy Spirit’s power.” As was His custom, the first place Jesus went was to the synagogue to participate in public worship. While at the synagogue, Jesus was asked to read the scripture text and give the sermon. I am sure that it was by no accident that Jesus chose the passage from Isaiah 61: 1-3, which says, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He has anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed; to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord.”
Jesus was defining His call and His eternal relationship with us when He quoted this passage in His first public sermon. Jesus Christ, the Messiah, brings us good news, sets us free from captivity, binds up our broken heart and comforts our mourning in our grief.
I would imagine that you and I both have days where it is hard to see or feel His goodness or His faithfulness with our natural eyes due to our current circumstances. But His Word in Psalm 18:9 promises us that “dark clouds are under God’s feet.” This means He is working, He is sovereign, He is still in control (even over our dark days) and He never stops inviting us near Him to love, guide, deliver, heal and comfort us. All we love is in His hands. He hears our prayers and our tears when there are no words. He counts them as liquid intercession, which is precious to Him (Psalms 56:8a). How comforting it is to know not only how deeply He cares for us, but He is also our Mighty Warrior and contends with those forces that contend with us (Isaiah 42:13; Psalms 35:1). So, as you go about your day today, I encourage you to remember two of His greatest truths and promises.
God will never stop loving you. Romans 8:38-39 says, “And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow, not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below. Indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.” God is in covenant with each of us, and whether we accept His covenant of love or not, His covenant of love can never be taken from you, and nothing you do can cause Him to break His covenant with you. There is no greater definition of security than this!
God is fighting for you. Exodus 14:14 says, “The Lord Himself fights for you. Just be calm.” Knowing that my God is fighting on my behalf allows me to live a peaceful and restful life and not one that is constantly striving or feeling the need to fight for myself. Psalm 46:10 is a great reminder: “Be still and know that I am God.” Be blessed with a still heart, while God fights for you.
May you be encouraged today by His sweet presence and peace that passes all understanding in all your cares. May you know that His Spirit is upon you and that He loves you and is fighting for you. As you seek the Lord, may you know Him as a Father of compassion who comforts you in all your cares.
If you would like me to join you in prayer please email me at tonif77@gmail.com. I would love to pray for you!