Can You Laugh at Famine or Destruction?

Meditate. Consider how you trust the Lord…day by day.

But consider the joy of those corrected by God! Do not despise the discipline of the Almighty when you sin. For though he wounds, he also bandages. He strikes, but his hands also heal. From six disasters he will rescue you; even in the seventh, he will keep you from evil. He will save you from death in time of famine, from the power of the sword in time of war. You will be safe from slander and have no fear when destruction comes. You will laugh at destruction and famine; wild animals will not terrify you. Job 5:17-22

Hide me under your wing.
Safe and Secure

Eliphaz, a sympathetic older friend of Job’s, gave him some advice. He recognized the goodness of God…and how God wants the best for us. God disciplines those He loves—but in His correction He also compassionately cares…by bandaging, healing, helping and protecting us. Can you imagine laughing at destruction, famine or wild animals? Times ahead may involve all of those. Yet remember in Psalm 91 how God is depicted as a bird hiding its young under its wings, protecting them. That is just how God will treat us…rescuing us from seven disasters. We will have no fear when destruction comes. What a great promise. Hang onto to that one…and encourage others as you see the day approaching…the day of destruction…the day of Christ’s return.

-        Seek the LORD, all who are humble, and follow his commands. Seek to do what is right and to live humbly. Perhaps even yet the LORD will protect you—protect you from his anger on that day of destruction. Zephaniah 2:3

-        The day of the LORD is near, the day when destruction comes from the Almighty. How terrible that day will be! Joel 1:15

It would be hard to laugh at famine or destruction…it might even be traumatic or distressful to laugh at famine or destruction, but the Lord God Almighty has promised to protect us and provide for us. You can trust Him. Live humbly. That is just how God wants us to live…humbly before Him. Can you do that?

Prayer ~ Lord Jesus, You lived a humble life—always seeking to do the Father’s will. Help me to live in the same way that brings You joy and we can happily laugh together. Where is there joy in life when there is destruction or famine?

Verse of Salvation ~ But may all who search for you be filled with joy and gladness in you. May those who love your salvation repeatedly shout, "God is great!" Psalm 70:4

Think happy, not unhappy

© 2021 Text, photos and illustrations by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted.

New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation.

Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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