Can a Person Lose God's Favor and Protection?

One of the most tragic events in the life of Israel’s first king was the loss of God’s favor and protection. He lost these by deliberately failing to follow God’s rules. God withdrew his spirit because of Saul’s defiance. Saul chose to pursue what was in conflict with God’s plan and purpose.

As an adolescent Joseph Stalin was preparing to be a priest and servant of God, but under the influence of Vladimir Lenin he rejected God’s calling. Stalin threw away God’s blessing and protection and died an old man suffering from severe mood swings and a troubled soul.

After removing his favor and protection from Saul, God chose David to replace Saul – not because he was perfect, but because he was faithful. 

Choosing to follow God even when it’s difficult creates contentment and security. With God’s favor and blessing, strength to manage each day’s troubles is available. The joy of the Lord can be your strength.           

_________ 

After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen and establish you.

~1 Peter 5:10 English Standard Version

_________

Subscribe to the Attitudes Answers podcast on your favorite podcast platform to hear this and other 2-minute features 3 days every week.

How Do We Find Happiness and Joy in Difficult Times?

 Being happy requires more than enjoying life filled with fun, although fun may be connected to doing something relaxing and easy or completing a difficult and challenging task. When my dad taught me how to drive a farm tractor, it was difficult and stressful but still fun.

I never cease to be amazed by those who look back on a particular timeframe that was emotionally and physically demanding and say it was actually a good time. Couples who truly love each other will often say it was the difficult struggles that brought them closer together.

Happiness depends on your perspective of the past, present, and future. Trusting God to have a definite purpose in whatever you’re facing creates feelings of security and fulfillment. Listen to Romans 15:13: “May God, the source of all hope, fill you with joy and peace by means of your faith in him, so that your hope will continue to grow by the power of the Holy Spirit.”  May it be so with you.  

___________ 

Today is holy to our Lord, so don’t be sad. The joy that the Lord gives you will make you strong.

~Nehemiah 8:10 Good News Bible

 

You will live in joy and peace. The mountains and hills, the trees of the field – all the world around you – will rejoice.

~Isaiah 55:12 The Living Bible

____________

Subscribe to the Attitudes Answers podcast on your favorite podcast platform to hear this and other 2-minute features 3 days every week.

Challenges that Come with Change - Part 3

From a casual perspective, one objective of life and love is to have fun. So, what’s wrong with that? The obsessed, fun-loving person is in love with pleasure to avoid pain. John Keats noted, “Mature love is capable of living with uncertainties, doubt and mystery without impatiently grasping for reasons and facts.”

What did he mean by his declaration that “Mature love is capable of living with uncertainties, doubt and mystery without impatiently grasping for reasons and facts”? Keats referred to love that’s stable and capable of tolerating not being in complete control when life is not totally predictable and where answers to life’s questions are not available.

Life can be enjoyable when confidence and patience are conjoined with a sense of excitement for doing what God directs. Jesus encouraged his disciples to wait for the Holy Spirit before presenting the Good News of the Gospel to their world. When the Holy Spirit came, they were changed and their purpose became apparent.