Upheld In Adjustment

Dark Days

It seems we are facing dark days. Everything has become political, and it sometimes feels like living in a moral strait jacket. After having lived in a free country all our lives, facing restrictions on every side is unnatural.

The fear of terrorists and the chaos and death that brings to mind can be overwhelming. The fear of contracting the dreaded pestilence can cause us to flinch. Then there are the multiplying natural disasters everywhere that may somehow engulf us.

Are we helpless?

Jesus promised that we would have trouble in this world, but to be of good cheer because He has overcome the world. He also promised that He would never leave or forsake us. Ever.

In the light of recent events, I cling to these promises. If God doesn’t have a handle on what looks like a world out of control, then there is no hope.

Anticipation

The goal is not to look at circumstances, or even the future, with fear. Instead, look at both with anticipation.

We see through a very finite looking glass. I imagine the kind a ship’s captain puts to his eye to chart the course on waters without landmarks. Ok, maybe not so much now with gauges all over the dashboard (if ships have dashboards), but that’s how it used to be, right?

With all of our scrutiny, we can’t see what’s coming. Our choice is to dread it or look at what opportunities the challenges will bring.

What is God going to do next?

The Battle is the Lord’s

For sure, we don’t know the steps of God’s plan. But for a certainty, He has laid one out for us. How can we fit in with His plan—His will for our lives?

God is still in charge. Here are some actions He has given us to move through the dark days.*

• “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage;, do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9).
• “I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised; so shall I be saved from my enemies” (Psalm 18:3).
• “The fear of man brings a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord shall be safe” (Proverbs 29:25).
• “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; you are Mine” (Isaiah 43:1).
• “Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom” (Luke 12:32).
• “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, and of love and of a sound mind” (2 Timothy 1:7).

Hope

Like the sunrise of a new day, hope springs eternal. As long as the sun continues to come up every morning, God holds out hope for us.

Even in difficult circumstances, whether caused by incidents in our own lives, or by events thrust upon us because of external pressures.

While we are looking up, maybe the sunrise will herald for us the return of the Lord.

“Be strong and take heart all you who hope in the Lord” (Psalm 31:24 NIV).

 

*All references in this section are from the New King James Version Bible.