This morning I had the great privilege of meeting via Zoom with fellow believers from around the world. As we shared concerns it became obvious that the whole world is in need of God. As we lifted up the various concerns and shared our own stories of how God leads us to His peace we were lifted up. To be with a community of believers is to be lifted up.

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:18.

Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings. 1 Peter 5:6-9.

Both of the above verses were from the devotional Jesus Calling which I read after our meeting. The beautiful thing about loving God is that He speaks to us in so many and various ways. Through the discussions with others that broaden our understanding of trials around the world…that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings…brings us back to God and our need of Him…and not just our need but the need of the whole world.

Another angel, who had a golden censer, came and stood at the altar. He was given much incense to offer, with the prayers of all God’s people, on the golden altar in front of the throne. The smoke of the incense, together with the prayers of God’s people, went up before God from the angel’s hand. Revelation 8:3-4.

The prayers of all God’s people…we lift them up but find that in praying together we are lifted up before God who is here with us, inspiring our hearts and opening our minds to His love for each one of us. Rejoice always…pray continually…give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

In this world we have problems, trials, difficulties…but there is also so much good. Think about the blessings you experience even in the midst of trials; a kind word, a smile, a helping hand when it is sorely needed…and by rejoicing, praying, being thankful to the God who created everything we can stay close to Him and be lifted up as we lift up others with the love He shows us.

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever. Psalm 106:1. That’s the promise we can cling to when we are living in a world engulfed in troubles. The problems we are seeing in the world today are difficult…food insecurity; homelessness; corrupt leaders in government, business, churches; fires increasing in frequency and intensity around the world; inflation; starvation…the list goes on. Those problems are real and caused by us. Since we live in a world that is not always secure we need God. Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress. Psalm 107:19. He saves us from our distress in our problems today and will save us when Jesus returns to bring healing to the world and our hearts. And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen. 1 Peter 5:10-11.