We live in troubled times. Our days are filled with uncertainty. We do not know what the future holds and it is easy to become anxious about it.
We long for peace and stability. We wish for an environment where our children can grow up without fear. We want them to have greater opportunities than we have had. However, wishing and hoping will not make it so. How can we have confidence in spite of the troubles and difficulties we experience?
The answer to this question is that we cannot place our confidence in money and things. They are as uncertain as the circumstances we face. Rather, the answer is found in whom we place our confidence. The book of Psalms says, “God is our refuge and strength, an ever present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.” (Psalm 46:1-2 NIV)
This Psalm mentions three kinds of troubles. One kind of trouble is brought on by natural disasters. We have little control over earthquakes, wildfires, floods and droughts. We may suffer loss as a result of them.
A second kind of turmoil is political. “Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall…” (Psalm 46:6 NIV) Most of us have little say in government policy, yet we are affected by decisions that rulers make. We often experience hardship because of their choices.
A third kind of trouble is brought by war and conflict. Almost always there is a war being fought somewhere in our world. These conflicts may affect us directly or indirectly, but we are rarely free from their influence.
When we think about these things it is easy to become discouraged. It is easy to fret and worry. Yet, the Psalm continues, “Be still, and know that I am God…” (Psalm 46:10 NIV) In all the trouble and turmoil which we experience God is the one constant upon whom we can rely. Another Psalm says, “In my anguish I cried to the Lord, and he answered by setting me free. The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?” (Psalm 118:5-6 NIV)
As it says in another place, “Come near to God and he will come near to you…” (James 4:8 NIV) If we put our hope in God and obey His will, He will deliver us from all our troubles.