Psalm 46:1 (NLT)
God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble.
Only God can cause the entire world to focus on a single topic simultaneously. We live in serious times, with real issues, and no dependable responses from the people around us. We can’t depend on our funds, friends or feelings as we navigate the difficult realities of the day. We have to depend on God. We need Him when life goes well and when events turn sour.
God doesn’t turn His face when difficulties come. He’s present, watching, orchestrating, and allowing events to continue. Why? Because He’s Sovereign. He knows it all, sees it all, and has a plan for it all. He hasn’t asked us for permission to allow events to take place, but He has asked us to trust that He has it handled.
He is a God of purpose who can use events and people to demonstrate His character. He can supply medication for sickness and demonstrate His loving-kindness to a woman who’d never before considered her need for Him. God can teach us about the gift of forgiveness as He moves estranged family members to show up during difficult times to lend a hand, speak words of encouragement, and heal a relationship. People who’d only before had pleasant conversation with each other can become life-long friends after coming to each other’s aid in a time of need. That’s God’s grace in action. In a flash, the essential matters of life take the priority spot they were meant to be in.
While the world is turning on its frenetic axis, God has set actions in motion that opens our eyes to the realities of what’s truly important. When we’re forced to sit still, consider what to do next, and think through the basic necessities of life, we recognize how vulnerable we can become in a world that’s typically selfish and self-serving. We can begin to believe that we’re exposed, susceptible, unsafe, and weak. But nothing is further from the truth. It’s at these times that we’re called to remember what is true (Philippians 4:8). God is God, and Good, and Present in the midst of our circumstances.
This is not a time to wonder what to do. It’s a time to know who God is and to act as if we know who He is. The time is ripe for prayer. We can pray for ourselves, our family members, friends, neighbors, co-workers, employers, representatives, church leadership and members, and government officials. Now is a time to be thoughtful about the welfare of other people because the world needs it and God requires it.
We can confidently know that God is aware of the details of our fears and has intentionally orchestrated events and difficulties to draw our attention to His readiness. His is our Strength, Protector, and Provider. With that confidence, we can be prepared to be the lights in the world that we are meant to be. What’s going on in the world is up to God. How we respond to events is up to us.
Prayer
Lord, You control everything. Thank you for being prepared at all times to help, guide, comfort, protect, and provide in our time of need. We want to honor you even when circumstances make no sense at all. Give us the strength and insight to make wise decisions during difficult times. And, we will give you the honor, glory, and praise.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen
Live well,
Michele