Calamity: December 15, 2010

Today's Word for Wednesday December 15, 2010

CALAMITY

DEFINITION

A great misfortune or cause of distress; disaster.

SCRIPTURE

"For the day of their calamity is at hand, and the things to come hasten upon them." Deuteronomy 32:35.

"Therefore his calamity shall come suddenly; suddenly he shall become broken without remedy. Proverbs 6:15.

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE

At some time or the other we all face a calamity in life. Calamities are most often accidents, but we do bring calamities on ourselves. In Proverbs 1:26-27 it reads: "I will laugh at your disaster (calamity); I will mock when calamity overtakes you." This sounds like a heartless reaction but we have no one to blame but ourselves. Those who foolishly laugh and mock God will one day find that God has the last laugh. Solomon tells us in verses 24-25 that the reason why calamities overtake us is because we have rejected God, His wisdom and advice. And Solomon goes on to say: "Then they will call on me and I will not answer; they will seek me diligently, but they will not find me."

God is not the author or the cause of calamities but He will let us experience calamities because of our pride and arrogant ways and when we turn our eyes away from God. When we put our trust in God and listen to Him, He will lead us away from calamity. He wants to protect us from calamities because of His love for us Proverbs 1:33 says: "Whoever listens to me will live in safety and be at ease, without fear of harm."

In real life we have calamities. These are normal events that just happen because of circumstances. After all, we are all human. One of our children over the years became lovingly known as "Calamity Jane" to our family. For some unknown reason she had nine accidents and nine broken bones. Yes, she was very athletic but so were all of our children. She was just in the wrong place at the wrong time and became the victim of calamities. Calamities like these come and go and do not affect a relationship one has with God unless one starts to blame God.

The calamities we are concerned about today deal with the calamities that result from not having a relationship with God. In the Old Testament there were so many illustrations given to us that involved men and women who God was ready to use but because of their actions they became calamities in God's sight. When this happens, God cannot use a person that turns away from Him and accepts living without God in a sinful society. How long will you wait to get on track with your Lord and Savior?

LEARNING

Our memory verse for this week is found in I Peter 5:7.

Cast all your cares on Him because He cares for you.

PRAYER

Thank You Lord for keeping my eyes and heart focused on You. Keep me from being a spiritual calamity. Bless my family and help us together to be shining lights for You in a world loaded with calamities.