No other gods

“Then the Philistines took the ark of God and brought it to the house of Dagon and set it by Dagon. When the Ashdodites arose early the next morning, behold, Dagon had fallen on his face to the ground before the ark of the LORD. So they took Dagon and set him in his place again. But when they arose early the next morning, behold, Dagon had fallen on his face to the ground before the ark of the LORD. And the head of Dagon and both the palms of his hands were cut off on the threshold; only the trunk of Dagon was left to him. Therefore neither the priests of Dagon nor all who enter Dagon’s house tread on the threshold of Dagon in Ashdod to this day.”
‭‭1 Samuel‬ ‭5:2-5‬ ‭NASB‬‬

No other gods

Ours is a world of idols. We humans are driven to worship, to revere, to bow down and idolize. The things we give our time to are in the place as our god. Many people that I have encountered are worshippers of self, of that I can attest. Others worship members of the opposite sex, and are consumed with acquiring that certain mate that they believe will satisfy their needs.

Too many worship the god of fear.

Fear is a merciless god, who robs people of peace, and offers little to give comfort. We are living in a time where fear is amassing a huge congregation of adherents.

Some people have erected huge altars in the homes, where they are locking themselves away, hoping that the virus doesn’t get them. Others are building huge altars on the ground of their work places and normal life as they seek to reopen the country and go out and live life as if nothing had happened.

I have also been in the altar erecting business. There was a time when fear governed my life. I spent much energy looking over my shoulder, searching for hidden dangers, worrying about what others thought of me. I had my own Dagon.

My god stood tall until I placed it against the Cross. To show me the power of Jesus, the real God brought real trial into my life. My fear god delivered me not, and really made the situation worse. That fake god crumbled and the Cross stood alone. In crisis after crisis, my great, Almighty God has delivered me and given me peace.

I live by faith, and not fear, and enter each day with a boldness. Make no mistake, I keep myself safe. I wash my hands, I keep my distance, and I limit my contacts with others. I do all of this with a balance. This is not a time to be foolhardy.

I have had profound sadness since this crisis began. I have watched people I love, people I have worshipped with, drift away to worship at the altar of fear. I am praying for them with fervency. I remember the promises of God, that He will never leave me or forsake me, and I wonder why so many don’t behave as if they believe it. May the Lord remind them of His faithfulness. I know from experience, that those promises are real. I lean on them daily!

I am stunned by the inhumanity I am seeing, from overreach of governors, all but declaring martial law, to a lady carrying a sign at a Operation Gridlock rally that said “Sacrifice the weak.” All are worshipping at the altar of the god of fear.

Believers, know that our God is greater than the fake god of fear. Just as Dagon was broken to pieces, fear can be cast down. It is a time for profound love and understanding.

I have a gut feeling that the actions of some states will have dire consequences. I am praying that the virus turns out not to be as destructive as we first believed. I am also praying for God’s mercy if it is.

In the meantime time, I am turning my attention to the God who saved my soul and is transforming my life. He has me in the palm of His hand. I trust Him, I worship Him, I seek Him daily. I know that He does not change. Regardless of what happens today, or any future day brings, my God will deliver me.

Seek the Lord today! Remember that He knows your need and He cares for you!

“Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.”
‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭5:6-7‬ ‭NASB‬‬

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