You and I live in a fallen creation that is no longer perfect and not even good. Sin and death have entered the world. Everyone is born with a sinful, rebellious nature. Our Creator cares and preserved these words of assurance for you and me!

In the 10^th century BC, David wrote these words

Psalm 4:8 I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety.

Psalm 27:13 I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. 14Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.

What difficult circumstances did David face?

In the 10^th century BC, Solomon wrote these words

Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. 6In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

What difficult circumstances did Solomon face?

In the 8^th century BC, Isaiah wrote these words

Isaiah 26:3 Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. 4Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength:

What difficult circumstances did Isaiah face?

In the 10^th century BC, Nahum wrote these words

Nahum 1:7 The LORD is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him.

What difficult circumstances did Nahum face?

In the 6^th century BC, Jeremiah wrote these words.
Lamentations 3:21 This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope. 22It is of the LORD’S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. 23They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.

LORD = Jehovah, the I AM, the Covenant Keeper

Mercy = God not giving sinners what we deserve

Compassion = a feeling of deep sympathy and sorrow for another, who is stricken by misfortune, accompanied by a strong desire to alleviate the suffering.

What difficult circumstances did Jeremiah face?

What do these verses tell you about God?

What do these verses matter to you?

Our focus – Hebrews 12: ¹ Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, ² Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God

Our challenge – Dearly Beloved,

Run with your eyes on Jesus alone!

Run in faith that Jesus loves you with an everlasting, unconditional love; has uniquely designed and created only one you; has a good plan for your life; runs with you; and will  accomplish His purposes for you and through you!

Run in His strength alone!

Run being yoked to Emmanuel!

Run with your eyes on the prize!

Run with your focus on His mission: to conform you to the image of Jesus Christ!

Run with the desire to finish strong!

Run with the desire to finish with your lamp burning!

Run to obtain an incorruptible crown!

Run with the expectation of being in His physical presence when together you cross your finish line!

Run to His glory alone!

Run and keep on running!