Not to Worry, God’s Got It All Covered
--Lenore Buth
It’s probably safe to say that many of us find most news reports unsettling, whether it’s local news or from far-off places. The more of this we take in, the more anxious we feel.
Any time, but especially now, we need to remind ourselves—and our children—this is not the first time of turmoil in our Nation and it likely won't be the last. Whatever happens--or doesn't happen--none of it surprises God.
This is still our Father's world, as the hymn tells us. He is Almighty God, so we can be at peace whatever comes. Even when one disaster follows another. Even if we fear what comes next. Even though we're sick of warnings about Covid and climate change and all the rest.
Through it all this Truth endures, every moment of every day:
The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing. -Zephaniah 3:17
What a visual picture that last line gives us: God rejoicing over his people--over us--with loud singing!
Trying times are nothing new
Think of early Roman believers who lived in a pagan society where evil reigned and the Emperor Nero ordered them hunted down and killed. That’s when the Apostle Paul penned these words:
Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. -Romans 13:1
Still today, it matters not whether we agree or disagree with our "governing authorities.” We are under their authority.
We’re to pray for them, too, no matter who they are or what position they hold, whether we voted for them or not. Pray that God will lead and guide those who lead us, that they make wise decisions and govern with integrity, even if they don't believe in God.
Later, Paul wrote this:
First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior. -1 Timothy 2:1-3
For us today, let’s not overlook the leaders in our church, as well as their families. Our St. Matthew pastors and staff members, as well as the many volunteers, serve Jesus and all of us. They need our prayers, our love and our thanks for how generously they give of themselves.
Peace? Hope? In these times?
There's only one way we can find it:
Cast all your anxieties on him [God,] because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7
The literal meaning of the Greek is to throw all one's load, as on a beast of burden, so the animal can carry all the weight of it. Here's the hitch: We can't be free of the weight of anxiety unless we are willing to let go of it.
Most of us think our lives would be easier if we just knew what’s coming next. Like little children we want to know what lies ahead of us, but we can only see today. Chuck Swindoll writes it’s like we’re watching a parade through a knothole in the fence. We see only what's in front of us. God, as if from a reviewing stand at the end of the route, views the entire parade from beginning to end.
This much we know for sure: The future for all the world—and for us as individuals--rests in the hands of our gracious, loving Father. He who was there before the beginning and will be there after the end never slumbers nor sleeps.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. -Philippians 4:6-7
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. - John 14:27
Not to worry. Because we believe in Jesus as our Savior we are safe and secure. God loves us—and indeed, He’s got it all covered.
End