Currently we are studying one of the Old Testament prophets. Amos, one of the “minor prophets”, is probably not as well known as some of the others. But he has a lot to say to us. And we are on a mission to make him famous. Just like those cookies!
We have been enjoying some of those Famous Amos cookies during our study. And we have also enjoyed some figs. Amos was, after all, a sheep herder and a fig farmer. But what we have enjoyed most is coming to understand what God has to say to us through Amos.
This week our study focused on Amos chapter 1. As we study, we are using a workbook written by Jennifer Rothchild called Amos: An Invitation to the Good Life.*
This week’s invitation from Amos chapter 1 was to “Live Assured”. The context of that chapter is Amos being called by God to leave Judah and go to Israel to deliver some messages from God. These messages were condemnations being pronounced against the enemies of God’s people who were surrounding Israel on all sides.
It really is a depressing chapter, especially if we only focus on the condemnations. But when we look to see what we learn about God in this chapter (which is a good thing to do in every chapter, by the way!), we are encouraged. Because what we learn is that God does not leave evil unpunished. God knows. God cares. And he will punish sin. He will punish those who have oppressed His people.
When we remember that God knows, God cares, God is not blind to what is going on in the world, we can find the encouragement to live assured. We can live with the assurance that God is in control. Even when it may not feel like it.
When we are surrounded by our feelings of fear or insecurity or inadequacy or hopelessness, we can focus on the facts. This is the message of God to us through the prophet Amos. God knows. God cares.
But sometimes our feelings overwhelm us, don’t they? That’s the time to focus on the facts. Here are a few facts to remember.
Greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world. 1 John 4:4
Thou, O Lord, are a shield for me, my glory and the lifter of my head. Psalm 3:3
If God is for us, who can be against us? Romans 8:31
My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. Psalm 73:26
Thou wilt keep him [her] in perfect piece whose mind is stayed on Thee, because he [she] trusts in Thee. Isaiah 26:3
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefined, and unfading, kept in heaven for you who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed at the last day. 1 Peter 1:3-5
For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38
No matter what is going on in our lives, we need to remember the facts. Meditate on the facts. We acknowledge our feelings, but we don’t want to live there. Focus on the facts.
Might I suggest that you make your own facts sheet of Bible verses that will remind you of who Christ is and who you are in Him. Keep the list handy so you can refer to it when you are surrounded by discouragement or fear or other feelings that drag you down.
Focus on the facts. And live assured. God is in control!
*Amos: An Invitation to the Good Life by Jennifer Rothchild, (available from Lifeway Christian Resources or Amazon)
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