Our Powerful God

I love how God speaks to me through nature.  It's rare that a day goes by that I don't hear some whisper into my heart through something in nature - the beautiful greenery, the gorgeous flowers (this spring has been spectacular because of all the winter rain), the constantly changing blues of the ocean, the gentle rolling waves, the unusual cloud formations, and, of course, the rainbows that I love.  I'll be looking at these things and sense God speaking sweet words into my heart.  I absolutely love His amazing creation!  It's a constant "gift" to me.

This past weekend we had an unusual weather event.  With the new moon phase, spring tides, and a storm surge - we had massive waves 9.5 meters (30 feet) high along 50% of the coast line of South Africa.  They were awesome in their power!  My son and I sat and watched them.  It was incredible.  In some areas cars were picked up and swept through parking lots - some were swept out to sea.  Seaside buildings had waves breaking through windows.  The videos that some people took looked like something out of a movie.

As I watched these massive, powerful waves - and later as I reflected on what I'd seen - I heard the Lord speaking very personally to me.  I've seen the love, tenderness, creativity, and warmth in the nature all around me.  But in these incredible waves I could see His power and might.  I felt His encouragement to trust and believe Him to see this in the things I'm praying for - not just for me, but for many of us. 

"These are just the beginning of all that He does, merely a whisper of His power.  Who, then, can comprehend the thunder of His power?"  Job 26:14

"Be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might."  Ephesians 6:10 

"It is He who made the earth by His power, who established the world by His wisdom, and by His understanding stretched out the heavens."  Jeremiah 10:12

"You rule over all the kingdoms of the nations.  In your hand are power and might, so that none is able to withstand you."  2 Chronicles 20:6

"He determines the number of the stars; He gives to all of them their names.  Great is our Lord, and abundant in power; His understanding is beyond measure."  Psalm 147:4,5

"Now that I am old and grey, do not abandon me, O God.  Let me proclaim your power to this new generation, your mighty miracles to all who come after me."  Psalm 71:18

As I searched the Word, I found so many references to God's power.  The mighty waves reminded me of His power, and I'm encouraged to pray for more of it in our lives.  I believe He wants to show Himself powerful in our midst.

One of my favorite scriptures is Philippians 4:8 - "Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things."

We are constantly bombarded with messages that do not hold up to the things mentioned in that verse.  In watching or reading the news, item after item is negative or discouraging.  In our daily lives we face situations that are hard and difficult - sickness, loss of a loved one, change,  financial hardships, broken relationships, depression.  The enemy takes advantage of every situation he can with his lies.

All of these things can weigh on our hearts and focus our attention in the wrong direction.  I have found it so important in these past years to concentrate on the things mentioned in that verse.  It's challenging when I'm in the midst of a difficult situation!  But it's so important.  I sometimes look at that list and make a list of my own of the specific things in those categories. 

I especially like "if there is ANYTHING excellent or praiseworthy" - one version says "if there is anything worthy of praise."  And you know what?  There are always, always, always things worthy of praise.  When I focus on those things, the heaviness lifts and my heart turns to worship.

Just this week there have been some difficult and discouraging things I've been facing.  I had to remind myself of the Philippians verse and make my list.  It's a powerful tool and exercise.  It always reminds me that I have so very much to be thankful for even in the midst of life's difficulties.  Thank you Jesus! 

"Therefore...fix your thoughts on Jesus."  Hebrews 3:1

"Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior."  Habakkuk 3:17,18

"For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels or demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord."  Romans 8:38, 39

"Why are you in despair, O my soul?  And why have you become disturbed within me?  Hope in God, for I shall again praise Him for the help of His presence."  Psalm 42:5 

"I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty.  I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want..  I can do everything through Him who gives me strength."  Philippians 4:12,13

As we focus on the things in Philippians 4:8, hope comes alive in our hearts.  The distressing situation gets smaller and the truth of God's goodness and faithfulness grows strong in our hearts.  He has never failed us!