Jump Start # 962

Psalms 119:63 ” I am a companion of all those who fear You, And of those who keep Your precepts.”

Our verse today reminds us that we are in a fellowship with other believers. We see that in the congregation, but there is a huge spiritual family, worldwide that extends beyond what we see within our church building. This is important for us to realize.

Satan wants you to think that you are alone. Some of our readers worship in small congregations and others may be in areas where there are not many congregations. The “we are it” syndrome can be very discouraging.

Satan wants you to believe that we are losing. He wants you to think more bad than good is going on. He wants you to throw in the towel and give up. He wants you to think that it’s useless. Following the news can really do that. Just this morning I read that a school teacher was arrested for being high on drugs while at school. Another teacher was dismissed for posing nude in an adult magazine. A shopper was arrested for carrying a dead baby in a bag. I just finished reading a biography about a world famous auto racer. His lifestyle was sex, drugs and alcohol. The news about the bad, raunchy, and godless choices that people make are the headlines each day. We are bombarded with news about sinful choices and the consequences that those choices reap. It seems that God is losing. Satan wants you to think that.

Satan loves to dish out discouragement. It’s one of the best weapons in his arsenal. It works so well. Discouraged Christians feel overwhelmed. Discouraged Christians go through the motions. Discouraged Christians get confused and begin doubting what they once believed as true. More bad news. More people doing wrong. More. More. More. Until finally, the discouragement gets the best of you and you become a part of the very thing that discouraged you. Satan smiles. He accomplished exactly what he wanted.

There are three principles that turn all of this around.

• God is on the throne. It may seem like Satan is dancing through this world, having his way, but God is still in control. That hasn’t changed. It’s not going to change. God will win, don’t doubt that for a second.
• The outcome of Satan and those who follow him is certain. This is not a huge cosmic battle between God and Satan, like a movie, and the outcome could go either way. Not at all. Satan’s destiny is set. He’s Hell bound. There is no hope for him. There is no Savior for him. He’s a loser and he is headed on a one way ticket for torment. The Bible is clear about that. Matthew tells us that Hell is prepared for the devil and his angels. That’s why God made Hell. It wasn’t for people, it was for Satan.

• There are companions of God throughout this world who love the Lord and walk daily with Him. Some of God’s companions are very talented and are doing incredible things with those talents. Doctors, dentists, attorneys, business owners, school teachers, mechanics, funeral directors, students, house moms, retired folks make up the family of God. These people are helping others as they walk with the Lord. They are making a difference. Through their influences people are being introduced to the Lord, the church is being funded, and God’s way carries on.  These talented people coach kids on Saturdays. They teach Bible classes on Sunday. They give up their time to help others. They sit in the surgery waiting room with others. They help a struggling family. They make it possible for a kid to attend college. God’s family is made up hundreds and hundreds of men and women throughout this world who love Jesus. They gather on Sunday to worship the God that they love. These are the best people on the face of the earth. Most are not well known. Many live what some would call boring lives. They go to work in the mornings, raise their families, and have their sights set on Heaven. They struggle with a world that they don’t fit in. Finding modest clothes to purchase, decent shows to watch on TV, and quality books to read is a struggle. They love the Lord. They want to do what is right. You don’t hear about these people on the news because they are not breaking laws. They are not wild and irresponsible. They are not indulging in selfishness. They are kind and generous. They are good people. They each have a past that is dark and that they are ashamed of, but are thankful it has been forgiven through Christ. These are the companions of God. These are the people that are serious about the Bible and going to Heaven.

These companions of God are everywhere. I have met so many of them. I have found them in little towns in Ohio. I have found them in huge cities like Boston. I have found them all across this country and even in other countries. God’s people. Making a difference. Keeping things going. Not giving up. Ready to spit in the eye of Satan. They wear the armor of God. They are tough and have been through all kinds of battles. I think of a sweet family whose young father is in the hospital facing grave health issues. The days are long for them. Their faith is anchored in the Christ that loves them. These companions of God are made up of young men who have chosen to preach God’s word. They are sincere, humble and amazing.

Our passage says, I am a companion of all those who fear you. Can you say that? Are you companions with God’s people? Are your dearest friends companions of God? Are you walking with those that walk with God? If not, you are missing out. These companions of God will bring quality to your life and they will enrich you and help you connect strongly with the Lord. They are God’s help and answer to the discouragement that Satan throws at you. You need the companions of God in your life. Include them. Get to know them. Surround yourself with them. Seek their advice. Become friends and companions with the companions of God.

I am blessed to know that my best friends are companions of God!

Roger