It’s strange that you have become used to living in a world filled with chaos. When you were a child it never occurred to you that the years would acclimate you to functioning normally in a world full of terrorism, political battle, economic trepidation, the disintegration of the family, sexual abuse, epidemic corruption, gender reassignment, domestic violence and maniacal religious cultism. Growing up in Smalltown USA, I thought life would be continually calm, suburbanized bliss. Things changed on us, did they not? Now we are raising children and receiving grandchildren into a world that is, in many ways, a cold, dark shadow of its former self. We might be tempted to panic but here’s one reason why I don’t live in fear:
“When the earth totters, and all its inhabitants, it is I who keep steady its pillars.” – Psalm 75:3 {ESV}
Given the evidence that the world is, indeed, tottering, would it come off as sounding smug if I simply said, “All is well” ? I’m sorry but I cannot resist the urge to insist that we, the followers of Jesus, remain calm and carry on. There is a brilliant throne beyond the cosmos and above the chaos and that throne is uniquely inhabited by the God of rescue, redemption and restoration. Without seeking to be preachy I would want to remind us all that Scripture itself foretells of climactic upheaval occurring before the consummation of the ages. Simply put, the Bible has declared in multiple prophecies spanning thousands of years that things will become undeniably worse before Christ returns to earth. Wars will abound, famine will increase, death will appear to have the upper hand. False Messiah’s will arise and economic and political transformation will characterize the globe. The family unit will morph in a degrading downturn as fathers and sons will become enemies as will mothers and daughters. The Apostle Paul declared that the last of humanity’s days will be perilous times and I think we should sober up and realize that these indicators are coming upon us in greater regularity and increasing intensity. Let us again be reminded that God says, “When the earth totters, and all its inhabitants, it is I who keep steady its pillars.” For those who believe this, another passage of Scripture will keep their hearts: “You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord God is an everlasting Rock.” – Isaiah 26:3-4.
God is not wringing His mighty hands concerning what comes next. God sees that His own children will arrive safely to Him in the end and His plan to make this so is in full effect this very day. Any fear that seizes you does not proceed from God but from some other source that serves to plunder your heart of faith, peace and joy. Forgive the cliché but God has saved you to live as a warrior, not a worrier. The chaos in this world is temporary and an unprecedented peace and paradise will (soon?) be established by the Prince of Peace Himself. This is as certain as anything else God has ever decreed or accomplished. His restoration and perfect Kingdom will be forever. So welcome joy today that must accompany our faith. Laugh at the myriad of voices which prognosticate that our doom is sure. Recognize that the outward & temporal is indeed perishing but the inward & eternal is invincible and that those in Christ have precious promises and provisions that cannot fail. My King is smiling today as He prepares to come again. Yes, Jesus is coming again and He will split the skies in a manner that Scripture says will cause the accompanying saints to victoriously rejoice while His enemies fearfully scatter to the rocks to hide from Him. Is this world indeed out of control? My control – yes. Your control? Also, yes.
God’s control? Not even a chance. All is well. It is He who steadies its pillars.
I can not wait to forward this to my friend that cried about her dad, and his anxiety, yesterday. I know it will bless her!!
I totally agree that those pillars are ready to shake, however we are also instructed to pray for our nation…I do remember that the time is short and Jesus could come any day….we just do not know when, so I am also praying for our nation! It’s all in God’s hands. None of this is meant to refute your blog…it is just an Amen!!!!!!!!!!!
I totally agree that those pillars are ready to shake, however we are also instructed to pray for our nation…I do remember that the time is short and Jesus could come any day….we just do not know when, so I am also praying for our nation! It’s all in God’s hands. None of this is meant to refute your blog…it is just an Amen!!!!!!!!!!!