One Day at a Time: Considering Biblical Truths

Today we were only four at fellowship; one was home with a sick child, others had traveled, and still others were kept home by pouring rain. Nonetheless, God met those present with challenges, hope, and encouragement.

The week was a challenging ones for Nigerians in Jos as over 100 were killed during two incidents when a funeral for multiple villagers killed the day before was ambushed. Two politicians were among those killed at the funeral so the shocking event is drawing even more concern from the government. We pray that the government will be more serious about solving the problems in the country.

Some mornings I wake up consider the day before me and ask, “Is this all there is?” or “How can I find strength to get through the day?” Perhaps you sometimes ask the same kinds of questions. For some, one of these questions might come because they are coping with the loss of a loved one, others might be struggling with financial issues; still others might be overwhelmed by the stresses in their life, or dealing with the consequences of bad decisions.

Whatever the cause, there are some Biblical truths we can remember. There are many to consider so I’d like to use them for a series of devotions. But first, what are Biblical Truths? Biblical truths are points that are found in the Bible and are critical to our faith if we are to live a Godly life. They are called “truths” because the points are stated throughout the Bible and cannot be denied by professing Christians.

The most important truth that we begin with is that there is only one God and He is the Perfect Creator of All. If we can remember that each day then that truth can support all we believe that God is and what he has planned for us. In America we have a saying, “God doesn’t make junk”, or to put it in Nigerian English, “God doesn’t make rubbish”.

Sometimes when we go through frustrations or struggles in life we often begin to think we have done something wrong and if we were better in some way, then things would be different. If you ever have thoughts like that, then you can remember that when God created us he did a great job of it. Remember the phrase in Genesis, “and it was good”. That means we too are “good”. We may not be perfect like God, but God graciously forgives us when we do make mistakes.

Likewise, we can say that since all men are created in God’s image, there is an innate, or inner, good in everyone. That means that if we begin to complain or gossip about others we are also speaking ill about God. Next time you find yourself complaining or gossiping about someone, turn your complaints or mean words into prayers for change. Just remember, God’s ways are perfect and if we pray for change he may show you that the change should come from you.

Another aspect of this Biblical Truth is that all men, or people, are created to worship God. Remember in Matthew 5:23 it says if we bring our gifts to the altar and have a problem with someone, we should first go and reconcile with our brother before we present our gifts to God. God deserves our praise, worship, and our gifts that are signs of our love for Him, but if our relationship with his other children are stained in some way, then so is our gift.

One way we can try to remember this first Biblical Truth is by proclaiming that God is the perfect creator of all and that as part of his creation, we too should work hard to be perfect. Since we are far from perfect this may begin to cause even more frustration or stress. If that happens, just remember that God is always nearby to help us out. As we read in Psalm 23, God is there beside us, leading us, restoring us, guiding us, and comforting us. Reflect on this next time life brings its challenges. In time, the joy that can only come from God will return.