“Do not put your trust in princes,
Nor in a son of man, in whom there is no help.
His spirit departs, he returns to his earth;
In that very day his plans perish.
Happy is he who has the God of Jacob for his help,
Whose hope is in the Lord his God” (Psalm 146:3-5)
The world’s politics seems to be turning upside down. Beginning with Arab Spring six years ago, and culminating in the US election result this past November, national governments are changing significantly.
In the West a clash between progressive social views and conservative politics is more evident that ever before. All across Europe, democracies are calling for conservatism, with liberal perspectives being rejected after years of an acceleration in social freedoms. Both extremes loath censorship, while each side points an accusing finger at the other.
Violence and radicalism is on the increase; fewer people seem able to discuss politely and agree to disagree than in times past. In the West, political correctness seems to have created a genuine fear toward any viewpoint contrary to the liberal media’s perspective. In the Middle East there is war.
Even in the natural world, there is an increase in natural disasters: earthquakes, floods*, tsunamis, typhoons, hurricanes, tornadoes.
Because of all these things, and the disarray of the world economy, poverty and disease are on the increase.
Many who believe in Jesus are saying we are in End Times (Matthew 24). Hollywood is producing film after film which depict an Apocalyptic plot or a post – Apocalyptic universe. There is increasing intensity in people and extreme perspective, and it is as if we are heading for an unavoidable explosion.
As Believers in Jesus, what are we to do?
We can recognise: “Jesus is the author and finisher of our faith.” (Hebrews 12:2) Now is not the time to take our faith lightly, nor our cause casually.
We can come together: “Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brethren dwell together in unity” (Psalm 133:1).
We can lead: discern where others are fearful and model calm wisdom, use sound judgment in difficult relationships and circumstances, and love others as we love ourselves.
We can pray: that God’s will be activated upon the earth and that those who are called to Him will be saved, that those already called will remain in Him, and that those in rebellion will soon return to Him. In Matthew 24, Jesus does warn us that some will fall away. Let’s pray for those near to us to ‘hold fast’ to their faith.
We can praise: God is sovereign. Though the earth trembles and mountains fall into the sea, He is the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. Nothing passes His notice. And so we can be confident that we are in the right place, in the right time and circumstance, and God is training us, leading us and teaching us to be all He has created and called us to be.
When we keep our focus on Him, we have peace and can offer that peace to others in trying times.
There is an old song, which goes like this:
“Will your anchor hold in the storms of life,
When the clouds unfold their wings of strife?
When the strong tides lift, and the cables strain,
Will your anchor drift or firm remain?
We have an anchor that keeps the soul
Stedfast and sure while the billows roll,
Fastened to the Rock which cannot move,
Grounded firm and deep in the Saviour’s love…”
How firm is your foundation? How solid is your anchor? If you need support to prepare you for the tasks ahead, turn to the word of God, recognise He’s in charge, be confident in that truth. As you pray and praise, the world will see your love and passion, others will calm down, and God will be glorified.
This is the power we have within us, based on the promise the LORD gave to Abram because of his faith.
“I will bless those who bless you, And I will curse him who curses you; And in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.” (Genesis 12:3)
The Father God has promised and His Word will never return void. So, we can trust and stand on His promise and know we are safe and secure in Him.