We are living in interesting times. There seems to be so much uncertainty regarding the future, not only in America, but also throughout the entire world. Here, in our homeland, stock prices take a slight fall, or else they rise to new heights causing many to panic and ask, “Should I buy or sell, or simply ‘ride it out.’ Oil prices rise and fall and gas prices along with it. We face new taxes upon taxes, and people engage in protest because they feel that their rights are being trampled on.
Around the world, people rise up against their government and oust their leaders, while in other places, nations turn against nations as they threaten annihilation. Added to all of this are earthquakes and floods, that literally devastate entire countries. Many of us find ourselves asking “When will it all end?”
As our world seems to spin out of control, we must not fear because we cannot see the future. In reality, if we could see the future, we might be even more frightened. Life is to be lived one day at a time, and it is to be lived by faith, as we trust God to sustain us in the paths where His will shall lead us.
The psalmist David found himself in circumstances that filled his heart and mind with questions regarding his future. The circumstances of his life also caused him to be anxious at times. However, his anxiety always gave way to the assurance that even though he might not be able to control the future, God could!
In Psalm 46:1-3, David wrote: “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear, even though the earth be removed, and the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; though its waters roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with its swelling.”
Though it may seem that the world is about to come unglued at the seams, God is in control, and He is present; He is very near to those who seek Him. It has been my experience in troublesome times that God is the only One who can bring peace to the human heart, because He is the one who made it. The psalmist also declares of God: “Be still and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10). To be ‘still’ means ‘to be tranquil, steadfast and unmoving in the face of uncertainty.’ Interestingly enough, the word ‘still’ also means ‘to be silent.’ In other words when faced with the many uncertainties of the future, we need to stop fretting and let God do what God does best, and that is to reign over the world He has created.
Jerry L. Dunn is pastor of Oak Street Baptist Church, 605 E. Oak St. Kingman
