(The Steve Green Archives video)
I believe in times like these “People Need the Lord.”
In a 2020 column, I shared the lyrics from one of my favorite Christian songs, “People Need the Lord.” The song, composed by Greg Nelson and Phil McHugh, was beautifully presented by Christian artist Steve Green in 1984. That’s the year I accepted Christ as my Savior and Lord.
Since that original essay, we’ve gone through the most horrendous two years most of us have ever experienced. Fear has run rampant, too many businesses have failed and way too many have unfortunately lost their livelihood.
Our federal, state and local governments have attempted to guide us through the COVID-19 pandemic and only time will tell how certain mandates, shutdowns, vaccines and therapeutics will impact our lives and our nation.
As a devoted follower of Christ, my trust is in God Almighty — not in our government. Our elected and appointed officials, irrespective of their political affiliation, are limited in what they can accomplish through their directives and recommendations.
We live in a world that’s in a tailspin. There’s much talk about a new normal, but no one really can predict just how these past few years will affect our future. All that really remains constant is God’s Word and His love for His creation.
Have you ever considered that our Lord wants all His creation to come to Him? After all, we are His children. Yet some of you have chosen to follow the Enemy.
In 1 John 3:7-8 we’re told, “Dear children, do not let anyone lead you astray. He who does what is right is righteous. He who does what is sinful is of the devil, since the devil has been sinning since the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil’s work.”
Did you get that? The Apostle John shares a wonderful truth to those who have come to faith in Christ Jesus — His little children.
Let me once again share some of the salient words in the aforementioned song. “People Need the Lord” is more than an evangelistic message. It also speaks to those nominal Christians, who occasionally might find themselves not totally trusting in God in their present condition.
Here’s the first verse for all to process:
“Every day they pass me by
I can see it in their eyes
Empty people filled with care
Headed who knows where
On they go through private pain
Living fear to fear
Laughter hides their silent cries
Only Jesus hears.”
Those words should speak volumes to us all as we deal with our unique circumstances.
Are you placing your total trust in your Heavenly Father? The lyrics continue:
“We are called to take His light
To a world where wrong seems right
What could be too great a cost
For sharing life with one who’s lost?”
The Light of Christ can remove the darkness and uncertainty we’re presently experiencing in this world these days. Unfortunately, many Christians get bogged down in the darkness and uncertainty surrounding them and seem unaware of their spiritual condition and their need to get back in the Light of Christ.
Let me share these very special words from John 8:12: “When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.’”
God is speaking these words to all who will listen. Are you listening? Whether you believe in the God of All Creation or not, these words are meant for the whole world to hear. What you do with this is your decision.
The lyrics end:
“When will we realize that we must give our Lives?
For people need the Lord.
People need the Lord.”
God doesn’t want us to die for Him, but to live and share the joy that comes from knowing and trusting Him this day forward!
Passages to Ponder
— Jim Langley has been writing for more than 30 years while working as a life and health insurance agent in Santa Barbara. In recent years, his passion has turned to writing about his personal relationship with God, and his goal is to encourage others to draw near to Him as well. As a longtime member of CBMC of Santa Barbara (Christian Business Men’s Connection), he started writing Fourth Quarter Strategies columns in 2014, and he now reaches an international audience through the CBMC International devotional Monday Manna. He can be contacted at jim@fourthquarterstrategies.com for more information. Click here for previous columns. The opinions expressed are his own.