“After he had dismissed the crowds, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone,…” Matthew 14:23 (ESV)
This scripture struck a chord with me. The event took place after Jesus Christ fed over 5,000 persons with five loaves and two fishes. We then see Jesus spend time alone praying just as he did when he prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane prior to his arrest before his Crucifixion. We see Jesus take the time to pray after this miracle as he continues to preach the Gospel of the Good News and heal the sick. The mental picture of Jesus alone on the mountain reminds me of the times I am alone and that at those times I can feel lonely. Then I see the example of Christ as he prays to his heavenly Father, and I take heart. I can be alone as he was, but I do not need to feel lonely. I can use my times alone to reflect on God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit as I pray to them and know that I am not alone in this world.
“Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains, your justice like the ocean depths. You care for people and animals alike, O Lord.” – Psalm 36:6 (NLT)
As an animal rights advocate, I can appreciate that God’s care, concern, and love extends to animals as much as it does to mankind. This is a powerful Bible verse that speaks to God’s love for both his human and non-human creation.
“But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be children of your Father in heaven. For he causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous” – Matthew 5:44-45 (CSB)
God expects us to love all our brothers and sisters even those we see as our enemies. It is human nature that I would only want to love and be good to those who love me and are good to me, but that is not God’s way. We do not have to be friends with everyone, but we are expected to love everyone. God reminds us that he looks after everyone’s well-being even those we do not like. And only God knows for sure what is in everyone’s hearts and minds.
“Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.” – Romans 12:19 (KJV)
I am admonished by God not to hold anything against anyone and to leave justice to Him. God will mete out justice when it is deserved in his own good time. Certainly, I am not perfect but am a sinner as well.
“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” – Proverbs 3:5-6 (KJV)
I do not need to understand it all or worry about any of it. I need to leave my concerns to God’s providential love. He will look after me. I do not need to be anxious but instead to trust him. He knows my needs and can handle them better than I can. I need to communicate with God both by reading his Bible and through prayer, and then I need to listen to his inner voice directing my life.
