Parkwood Presbyterian Church: From the Pastor, January, 1999

From the Pastor...
January, 1999

A WORD OF HOPE FOR 1999

Each new year brings with it all the uncertainties and fears that are part of life. Yet the Christian has cause for hope and confidence. In Deuteronomy chapter 33 verse 27, we read: "THE ETERNAL GOD IS YOUR REFUGE, AND UNDERNEATH ARE THE EVERLASTING ARMS."

1. THE ETERNAL GOD. God has no beginning and no ending. A line from the Hymn "Abide With Me" is "Change and decay in all around I see; Oh Thou who changest not, abide with me." Change is a constant factor in our lives. It can be either good or harmful. In contrast, the one who is CHANGELESS is God. He cannot change because nothing can be added to His perfection. We are stronger in the midst of change, when we are living in harmony with the ETERNAL GOD!

2. This ETERNAL GOD IS YOUR REFUGE. A refuge is a place of security no matter what may happen. Nothing can interfere with the Eternal God nor those who take refuge in Him. Even death, a serious matter and a great worry to many, does not harm us. Death for a Christian is "Good night" here and "Sunrise" in God's Eternal World. The Refuge applies to this life as well as to the next. A person whose life is in God's protection is spared the frustration and hurt that is experienced by those who are carried away by the passing fads of human behaviour. For example, those who take refuge never get to the real issue of the matter. Those who find REFUGE in the ETERNAL GOD are able to meet the problems Of life with clear minds and a careful consideration of the facts. They have an infallible centre in the reality of God.

3. UNDERNEATH ARE THE EVERLASTING ARMS! The picture is that of a child falling into the protecting arms of a loving parent or that of a child tired from a day's activity falling asleep in the arms of a loving parent. We live and die in the ARMS OF GOD!

Yes, 1999 has its uncertainties. But each step of the way, we will be able to experience GOD AS OUR REFUGE, AND HIS LOVING PROTECTING ARMS SURROUNDING US AND HOLDING US TO HIMSELF.