This tag line from the movie Jaws came to mind when people were wishing the year 2020 “good riddance”. Shops were selling ‘Good Riddance 2020!’ merchandise as if, somehow, the turning of the clock at midnight into 2021 would magically make everything return to pre-2020 normality. Obviously not.
At the time of writing this in early January 2021, cities have begun to go back into lockdown with virus cases again escalating, and the political system in America has had an enormous upheaval, shocking people all around the globe—and it feels like this is just the beginning. However, this is not the time to curl up in a ball and cry like a baby. How old are you anyway? It’s also not the time to shut churches or hide away from life, when those who carry the light need to be shining it bright, and in a broad open plain for all to see.
Yes, I may have my mother voice on, but to tell you the truth, it does feels very surreal to be living in this hour in time, however, it’s all the more reason to get your work clothes on and make the moment count.
We’re looked after by the greatest, regardless
What then, can we make of this? Though the world is in turmoil, do our hearts need to be? No, of course not. Let’s see what God says about days like these, in Psalm chapter 46.
Firstly, the psalmist states where our strength comes from:
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” (Psalm chapter 46 verse 1 ESV)
Because God is so great and sovereign over all the earth, living under His care, we don’t have to fear, even though: “the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling.” (verses 2-3)
Now those are pretty adverse circumstances the psalmist is talking about there, but sometimes that’s what it can feel like when our world gets turned upside down whether politically or otherwise. What seemed dependable and consistent for so long, even with fluctuations and predictable political turns of events whether we liked them or not, can suddenly go into overdrive causing the loss of freedoms and world upheaval like we’ve never seen before.
Friends with the boss
But then God reminds us in verse four, of our inheritance that is available to us, His children, at all times regardless of what is happening in the world:
“There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy habitation of the Most High. God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved; God will help her when morning dawns.” (verse 4)
This verse never fails to bring peace to my soul. The reassurance of God the Father being in the midst of us with an ever-flowing river that we can source at all times, brings security and peace like no other. As verse six says, the nations can rage all they like, but the moment God utters his voice, the earth melts. For it is His voice that commands all things—even trials. So, if trials are under God’s control, we have nothing to worry about as we are His children, and He would only allow them for our good, for a greater purpose, and for His glory to be shown in all the earth.
“Come, behold the works of the LORD, how he has brought desolations on the earth. He makes wars cease to the end of the earth; he breaks the bow and shatters the spear; he burns the chariots with fire.” (verse 8-9)
Therefore, even in the midst of turmoil and upheaval, we, as the children of God Almighty, can rest in the knowledge that He is in control of all, and nothing goes unknown or unnoticed by Him. Yes, we may be tested, but through these times, put your trust in God, and be sure you endure through the times of refining, for when you do, you shall come out the other end shining like gold.
“Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.” (Psalm chapter 46 verses 10-11)
As you move into 2021, set your mind to delight in the LORD for all He has done and all He is doing, and whatever this year brings your way, remember that God is in control. May this year be a year that you shine brighter than you’ve ever shone, and have strength like you’ve never known, so that the glory of God will be seen in all the earth. Allow God to make you a refuge for others, as you point the way to Him.