Beech Tree News Network

Solomon wrote, “Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring” (Prov. 27:1). I remember a time in my life when I saw three people pass from this world in one month alone. Have you ever had a month like that? I have spoken to people who seemed healthy, only to learn a few hours later that they had left this world. These deaths affected me, and each death caused me to “lay to heart” (Ecc. 7:2) what happened. Each time someone dies, it testifies that we have no lease on life.

God has never promised us a long life, nor has He promised us freedom from worry or problems. In reality, there are very few things we can count on in this life. We are not promised a safe drive home. We are not guaranteed that a home appliance will never fail. We are not promised that we will never get sick. We are not sheltered or immune from tragedy striking our homes in one form or another. When we recognize this, we will begin to appreciate the truth spoken by Solomon in Proverbs 27:1!

In a world of uncertainty, however, God has given us some promises which are sure and steadfast. For instance, God promised never to leave or forsake His children (Heb. 13:5). He also promised a Judgment Day in which we will see justice prevail when the righteous are rewarded, while the wicked are punished (Rom. 2:7-11; Matt. 25:46; etc.). Not only is God and His judgment unchanging, but we can also take comfort in the fact that His word is unchanging. Man’s word changes often, and the things men say today may not be the same thing he says tomorrow. Yet, God’s word does not change!

David knew this and stated, “Forever, O LORD, your word is firmly fixed in the heavens” (Ps. 119:89). While on earth, Jesus said, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away” (Matt. 24:35). God has given us “all things that pertain to life and godliness” and His word “thoroughly furnishes” men for “every good work” (I Pet. 1:4; II Tim. 3:16-17). Since this is true, does it not give us hope and comfort when we know that His word is unchanging?

In a world that changes often, we find that the only sure thing is God and those things related to Him! We do not know what could happen in a day. Men can lie to us. Disease can ravage a family. Sometimes, strangers make selfish decisions that end up affecting us. No, we do not know what will happen in a day. No one can predict this.

Yet, for all of this, God is constant. He loves us and wants the best for us. He sent Christ to die (Rom. 5:9). He has given us His word to follow (Jn. 12:48). It leads us to Heaven. Seeing that this is the case, may this week be the week that we stop trusting in ourselves and trust in the Lord (Prov. 3:5). In the course of a day or a week, our lives can change in profound ways. Let us, therefore, trust in God and hold to His unchanging hand while the storms of life rage!

-- You are invited to visit with the Caneyville church of Christ. Times of services: Sun.: 10:00 am, 10:45 am, 5:00 pm; Wed.: 7:00 pm. Website: http://caneyvillechurchofchrist.com Tune in to our radio program 101.5 FM at 5:30 am, Mon-Fri. Questions? Call: (270) 589-4167