week 38. Sept 20. Living with confidence in Hard Times.

This week, we have sailed through the short books of Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, and Zephaniah.  Hang in there, we are almost finished reading the Old Testament!

I am still highlighting the positive promises I read about God's goodness.  Some of my favorite verses are from the little book of Habakkuk. I remember this verse as a line in a song:

Today, when we listen to all the bad news and we almost despair and feel like there is no hope.  

This scripture  (Habakkuk 3: 17 - 19) just shines as a reminder of God's eternal goodness and sovereignty:

Yes, things are bad.  Might get worse.  There are no guarantees, except this: God continues to be our strength during the hard times.  

Today, Sept 20, we read the book of Zephaniah.  Did you notice how many times it says "the day of the Lord"?  I counted 6 times.  

I found this good definition on "GotQuestions.org"

Question: "What is the day of the Lord?"
Answer: The phrase “day of the Lord” usually identifies events that take place at the end of history (Isaiah 7:18-25) and is often closely associated with the phrase “that day.” One key to understanding these phrases is to note that they always identify a span of time during which God personally intervenes in history, directly or indirectly, to accomplish some specific aspect of His plan.

If you are curious, you might want to read more about the "Day of the Lord" here:

http://www.gotquestions.org/day-of-the-Lord.html#.Vf6TLF5h7lY.gmail

Be silent before the Sovereign Lord.  

for the day of the LORD is near. (Zephaniah 1:7)

So, no matter what, Peace of Christ to you.

(and keep reading, till next week) 

Audrey