We can’t fix the world. We have no power to fix our current situation, but we know Someone who can!
“When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.” (Psalm 56:3)
In the words of a friend, have you ever felt like you want to stop the world and get off?
Last week, as a family emergency erupted in the UK, I found myself hovering on the edge of what I can only describe as a sea of panic. The situation has since resolved, but at the time I had some moments of absolute helplessness and anxiety, as I realized that I am completely powerless to control anything at all in life! Waves of vulnerability and helplessness washed over me until I took a breath and remembered that God is sovereign. It may feel as if we are like a wave in the wind being tossed about, but as Christians we are anchored to Christ, to whom all power belongs, and in whom we can trust.
Although we can’t control the events unfolding in the world today, we can control our response to what we see and hear, and make choices. On a practical level, we can choose to adhere to government guidelines in our current situation. We can choose who to listen to for news and information. We can choose where to set our focus. Yes, there are prophets of doom, and we probably all have that one friend on social media who posts negativity daily, but perhaps we should consider what Jesus is saying. What did he say to those who were consumed by panic and fear?
“In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 14:27)
“Don’t be troubled. Trust in God. Trust also in me.” (John 14:1
He said that we can trust him.
He also said to take one day at a time.
“Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own…” (Matthew 6:34).
Rather than making decisions based on a fear of the future or what tomorrow may bring, our focus should be on his truths for the day at hand.
We are able to choose to trust and believe, despite what we see and hear here on earth, “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” (Hebrews 11: 1)
Faith is confidence in what we hope for but do not yet see. We are not always going to see answers right away. We are not always going to see or hear what we hope for, but we can have confidence because of who our God is. It is a choice. Worry takes away from the present. We can choose to live in the present and to take one day at a time. For as he asked, “Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?” (Matthew 6: 27) The answer is likely, “no”!
We can’t fix the world. We have no power to fix our current situation, but we know Someone who can! Let’s choose to set our minds on his promises and to take one day at a time.
Prayer: Father, help me to take one day at a time, or even one hour at a time if need be, through these challenging days. Though the news is troubling, help me to remember that you saw this day, and you see me. Your Word and your promises stand forever. Help me to focus on you and to trust, in Jesus Name. Amen.
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