Through many dangers, toils and snares -  I have already come -  

Tis grace that brought me safe thus far  -  and grace will lead me home!

In moments like what we have seen this week in England - we struggle with meaning and the sovereignty of God. In a world where little girls are blown up and evil abounds - we look out with tears and sigh, “how long O Lord will the wicked prosper.”

We have lots of questions - and we have to admit at the outset that what we say is incomplete - a product of being in the middle between the beginning and the end.  We see, as Paul says, “through a glass darkly.”

Our pattern is always to look to the Scriptures for wisdom and comfort.  King David, looking out at life and the enemies that surrounded him, says - Psalm 13:5, “But I trust in Your unfailing love.”  So he is saying "But" - “even though,” and remembers Gods faithfulness.  He remembers.  He trusted before and found God faithful, he is going to trust again. 

The writer of Lamentations writes: “Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope:  Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail.  They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.” (2:21)  I am so glad for the "yet"s and "but"s in the Bible.

The Christian life is about trusting an unseen God - David then moves from trust to praise 13:6,  "my heart rejoices in your salvation.  I will sing to the LORD, for He has been good to me."

He is thankful for salvation - even if nothing else.  Psalm 77 says, “I will

remember the deeds of the LORD; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago.  I will meditate on all your works and consider all your mighty deeds.  Your ways, O God, are holy.  What god is so great as our God?  You are the God who performs miracles; you display your power among the peoples.  With your mighty arm you redeemed your people, the descendants of Jacob and Joseph.”

Philippians 4 says, “The Lord is near.  Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Keep Your Eyes on the Lord.  When we go through difficult moments or seasons, we want something around that is stable, something that reminds us that things are looked after and under control.  I may not understand everything in this troubled world… I may not even like what’s going on around me, but I trust that He does.  Keep your eyes on the Lord.  His power is greater than your need.