Staying Right-Side Up In An Upside-Down World

It can be overwhelming at times, and honestly, quite discouraging.

It can rattle our reality, and frighten us to our core.

As we peer out of our windows, and read the headlines, and see what fills our social media feeds, it looks as if the world has turned upside-down.

What was once a figment in our imagination, or an act we’d see in a scary movie, we are experiencing it in real-life. Occurrences we’d never think could happen, are filling our evening news. Acts of violence, segregation, and evil happen almost daily. Wars, persecutions, shootings, and bombings hit too close to home and close to our hearts.

In studying Revelation through Bible Study Fellowship this past year, my head has been prepared for this upside-down world. But my heart hasn’t. My heart yearns for simpler, safer times. My heart desires peace and brother- and sisterhood. My heart desires a God-filled world.

I look forward to the day when an upside-down world will be but a memory, and a new heaven and new earth will be our reality. Oh, friend, what a glorious future is ahead for us!

But what about now? We still spend our days in this upside-down world. Until God takes us home, or Jesus comes back, we still have a calling here to fulfill. We still have a purpose on this earth. What do we do? What can we do?

How do we stay right-side up in an upside-down world?

Jesus gives us the answer in John 16:33:

“I’ve told you all this so that trusting me, you will be unshakable and assured, deeply at peace. In this godless world you will continue to experience difficulties. But take heart! I’ve conquered the world.” MSG

And in another translation:

I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace. In the world you have tribulation and distress and suffering, but be courageous [be confident, be undaunted, be filled with joy]; I have overcome the world.” [My conquest is accomplished, My victory abiding.] AMP

Key words are found here: trusting me, and in Me.

The key to staying right-side up in this upside-down world is Jesus. That may sound silly to some. That probably appears to be a “churchy” answer. This, to some doesn’t make sense, and quite frankly, is ridiculous. But in all my years of searching and studying, Jesus is our only hope. He’s our only way to peace and a life better than what this world can give us.

You may not agree with me, and that’s okay. But if I don’t share what I’ve learned, what kind of friend am I? I’ve learned when we place our trust in Him, when we believe what He says, when we rest our souls in His truth, we can stay unmoved and unshaken. No matter what comes our way, because we know He has us in the palm of His hand, and is preparing a glorious future for you and me.

Yes, this upside-down world is out of our control. But it’s not out of God’s.

We know the end of the story. We know what lies ahead. And we know Who is in charge of it all. We can rest in the truth of God’s Word and the hope He give us.

In the meantime, let’s stay close to Jesus.

Much love,

Julie

 

 

It’s a joy to link this post with Suzie Eller and friends for #livefreeThursday.