I sat there in front of my laptop, filled with frightened awe. The images before me caused my knees to quiver, tears to form in my eyes, and my reality to be shaken.
“Why, God? Why is there so much evil and destruction in this world? Why do people set out to destroy lives, families, and Your creation?”
Even though I know the answer, it’s normal for questions to arise.
From the result in the garden with Adam and Eve, I beheld at my computer that night the reality of a present fallen world.
Studying Revelation this year in Bible Study Fellowship, I’m perceiving how the state of this world is marked in the words of scripture. Ten years ago it didn’t look like this. Not even five years ago. It’s alarming. It’s bothersome. What God said will happen is happening. It shakes me to my core.
But even so, I know truth. I know without a shadow of a doubt–maybe now more than ever–that God is in complete and total control. Even when the world looks like it’s spinning out of it. He’s still sitting on the throne.
I also know I am not the only one who has been recently shaken in watching the events of terror happen throughout the world. It’s easy to fear and tremble. It’s easy to get concerned and anxious. But may I remind us all, we aren’t left to fend for ourselves. We aren’t alone.
God’s got us.
He’s our Defender. Our Protector. Our Shield. Our Fortress. And when we remember Who He is and how He’s still in charge, our hearts can be at ease.
When I become fearful, my tendency is to turn toward the Psalms. Psalm 16 is the one I opened that fearful evening. Here it is in The Message translation:
Keep me safe, O God,
I’ve run for dear life to you.
I say to God, “Be my Lord!”
Without you, nothing makes sense.
And these God-chosen lives all around—
what splendid friends they make!
Don’t just go shopping for a god.
Gods are not for sale.
I swear I’ll never treat god-names
like brand-names.
My choice is you, God, first and only.
And now I find I’m your choice!
You set me up with a house and yard.
And then you made me your heir!
The wise counsel God gives when I’m awake
is confirmed by my sleeping heart.
Day and night I’ll stick with God;
I’ve got a good thing going and I’m not letting go.
I’m happy from the inside out,
and from the outside in, I’m firmly formed.
You canceled my ticket to hell—
that’s not my destination!
Now you’ve got my feet on the life path,
all radiant from the shining of your face.
Ever since you took my hand,
I’m on the right way.
Friend, He’s got your hand (and mine) in His. With Him we have nothing to fear. With Him we know it’s all going to be okay.
No matter what fear you are facing today, you aren’t alone in it.
Allow God to replace your shaken reality with His peace, comfort, and love.
He’s got us.
I’m praying for us all today.
Blessings,
Julie
Linking this post with Suzie Eller and friends for #livefreeThursday. It’s a good day to live free!
It’s a Ps. 144 moment –
Blessed be the Lord, my rock,
who rains my hands for battle
and my fingers for war…
As I see it, the only way through is to meet this enemy head on, to protect the innocent, and to utterly destroy the evil ones who seek our ruin. Unleash hell, to guard the gates of Heaven.
Very appropriate Psalm, Andrew. God’s going to have His way with this enemy. How are you doing these days? I was absent for nearly a week!
Julie,
Your post is so true! As Christians knowing that Jesus is true to His Word should give us peace in this chaotic world. Thank you for your timely thoughts. Visiting you from Sow and Gather.
He is what’s giving me peace right now. So thankful for it, too! Thanks for sharing your thoughts here. I appreciate you stopping over today!
Beautiful and so appropriate with all that goes on in families, communities and our world today. There
is so much to be fearful off. Yet when that that fear comes I have to remember that God is Sovereign
“he control’s our final breath”.
Seems like the world faces a bigger spiritual battle every year. God allows all to bring about his purposes.
I couldn’t agree with you more, Teresa. God is still on the throne, and His plans and purposes will not be thwarted. Thanks for stopping by and sharing. It’s good to have you here! Bless you.
Thank you for this beautiful and timely reminder today, Julie! #livefreeThursday
Hi Crystal! Thank you for stopping over. Have a wonderful finish to your week!
Father, these events shake us to the core. They shake our view of humanity. They shake our sense of security. We pray that You move our hearts to prayer and unity in the face of these events. In Jesus’ name.
Thank you, Julie, for always being spot on in the #livefree conversation and linkups. I appreciate you so much.
Amen, Suzie. May God move our hearts to prayer and unity in these events. So thankful He’s in control. I appreciate all you do to host us each week. Looking forward to the retreat in April! Bless you.