GREAT THINGS

"Fear not, O land; be glad and rejoice: for the LORD will do great things."

- Joel 2:21

Fear is a powerful emotion.  During the recent Presidential election here in America, both sides used fear in their effort to win.  Their attempt to motivate people by fear was successful to varying degrees.  The entire election process was overshadowed by a sense of fear and foreboding. 

Even now, there is still emotional fallout from the election, including protests and social media anxiety.  Some fear what may unfold during the next administration.  Others fear that the ongoing protests will get out of control, producing violence and social unrest. 

The prophet Joel wrote to Israel during a time of great anxiety.  The people were suffering because of their sin.  The consequences of their sin were very severe, affecting every aspect of their lives. 

Despite the ongoing chastening of the Lord, God offered His people comfort.  Joel wrote, "Fear not."  The people had reason to fear, but Joel's message of assurance was from the Lord Himself.  Even more amazing was the message that followed:  "... be glad and rejoice:  for the LORD will do great things."  God was going to turn things around.  He would do great things.

There is great debate whether the President-elect will do great things during his Presidency, but most refuse to consider the fact that God does great things.  We tend to take God's actions for granted.  We often give credit to humans when God does great things.  Consider three things about our Lord:

1.  GOD HAS DONE GREAT THINGS

First of all, consider that God has done great things.  He created the universe.  That was a great thing.  He created mankind.  That was another great thing.  When Adam rebelled and brought death upon mankind through sin, God did another great thing:  He sent His Son to pay the debt of sin.  He has done great things. He has done great things for America in the past.  He has done great things for your family through the years.  God has done great things for you, personally.  If you are a follower of Jesus, your salvation was a great thing that God has done in your life.  God has done great things.

2.  GOD IS DOING GREAT THINGS

Secondly, God is doing great things.  Right now, the Lord is doing great things & we are guilty of overlooking these things or taking them for granted.  If great things were not being done right now, all of us would be in a mess.  In our high-pace society, it is often said, "Forget about what you've done in the past ... what are you doing now?"  I disagree with this attitude.  The past does matter.  God has done great things in the past, but His faithfulness continues right now.  He is still saving souls.  He is still changing lives.  He continues to reign.  He blessed you with another day.  That's a great thing.  He has given you a portion of good health today.  That's a great thing.  You still have family and friends who care for you.  Those are great things.  You have food, shelter and provisions.  These are great things that God gives you every day.  He is doing great things.

3.  GOD WILL DO GREAT THINGS

Also, we know that God will do great things.  God has made many promises concerning the future.  His past faithfulness should energize our faith in Him today --- but it also should fuel our expectations as we remember His promises.  God will do great things in the days, weeks and years to come.  God will take care of you through this life.  That is something great.  Jesus is coming soon.  That will certainly be a great thing.  He will take His children home to stay.  That will be a great thing.  We'll enjoy heaven throughout eternity.  That will certainly be a great thing.

Whether you are excited or scared about the President-elect, you can be sure that God is still on the throne.  God's power has not diminished.  He is evermore the same. 

We have reason to be glad and rejoice.  Our God does great things.