by Today, as we are all processing the attack of Putin against the country of Ukraine, it is difficult for us to understand the reasoning. While I don’t understand every detail of the political implications, there is the element of human suffering that is concerning. I know that in this world there will be trouble and suffering due to the influence of evil. However, as believers, we take comfort in trusting God in troubled times.
This blog post is not going to follow the trends of overly opinionated posters that have no real understanding of all aspects of the conflict. Rather, this is going to be an encouragement to trust God during the troubles and trials that we face in this world. The world that we are living in, will face far more troubles than we see today. Yet, God has promised to help us as believers face those troubles.
As I watched the news today and the various positions that the American press takes on the conflict, I was reminded that there is one constant. God’s Word gives us a glimpse of the hope that we have in Him. The world does not have this because they don’t believe in following the heart of God and doing what He says. The great commandment to love others as God has loved us would solve a lot of problems in our world today.
As believers, we get our comfort and instruction from the Word alone!
There is a passage of scripture from the Bible that is a great comfort during times when the world seems to be in conflict. Chapter 27 of the Book of Psalms is a passage that speaks to the trust we can put in our Father in spite of the evil present in this world.
I will admit that as I watched the news unfold today, I was reminded of the fragility of the lifestyle we enjoy today. Things could change overnight and the reality of our life could not only be attacked, but done away with. While I hope that any cyber attack would just wipe out any debts I carry (just kidding…sort of) the threat could become a reality.
The psalm reminds me that I can put my faith in God. “The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?” Psalm 27:1 (ESV) I don’t have to live in constant fear about the world around me, I have put my life in his hands. Besides, scripture teaches us that worry is not a characteristic that a believer needs to be controlled by. Why?
Because we trust God instead!
The world around us is going to do what they have cultivated in their own lives. When we allow the seeds of evil to be planted, protected, and allowed to grow, it produces these kinds of conflicts. While there will be those who attempt to excuse their behavior, we know that the enemy of our lives would love to see us destroyed by our own evil behavior!
The Psalmist goes on to say: “When evildoers assail me to eat up my flesh, my adversaries and foes, it is they who stumble and fall. Though an army encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; though war arise against me, yet I will be confident.” Psalm 27:2–3 (ESV) For the believer, we know that God not only fights our battles but that this life is transitional. Even if evil brings death to the believer, our victory is an eternity in heaven!
God is always the victor!
That is why the Psalmist gives us a glimpse of his heart and actions in spite of the trouble. The scripture says, “One thing have I asked of the Lord, that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to inquire in his temple. For he will hide me in his shelter in the day of trouble; he will conceal me under the cover of his tent; he will lift me high upon a rock. And now my head shall be lifted up above my enemies all around me, and I will offer in his tent sacrifices with shouts of joy; I will sing and make melody to the Lord.” Psalm 27:4–6 (ESV)
In the midst of trouble, we will seek out and enjoy the presence of God, pray with confidence and rest in Him. God will shelter us, lift us up, and give us victory over our enemies. So instead of living in fear, we can offer a shout of joy and worship for His presence and protection. God has an eternal plan for our lives and we can trust Him to care for us now and forever!
We have the God of all the heavenly armies available to perform His will!
How can we transition a fearful heart into trusting God in troubled times?
Prayer is a key element for believers to not only express their needs but to know God’s heart and presence. We can say with the Psalmist, “Hear, O Lord, when I cry aloud; be gracious to me and answer me! You have said, “Seek my face.” My heart says to you, “Your face, Lord, do I seek.” Hide not your face from me. Turn not your servant away in anger, O you who have been my help. Cast me not off; forsake me not, O God of my salvation!” Psalm 27:7–9 (ESV)
Prayer reminds us of our source which is found in our relationship with God. If our source is found in ourselves, we know that we are inadequate to deal with the overwhelming circumstances of life. Rather, God is more than capable of dealing with all aspects of our lives. We can trust Him!
Trusting God in troubled times takes a transformation of heart and mind. This can only happen when we put our faith in God through Jesus Christ. How does this happen? Read on!
It begins with Christ!
If you don’t know Christ as your savior, it all begins with the first step. Committing your life to serve Him is the greatest decision you will make in your life! For more information on serving the Lord: CLICK HERE!
Blessings,
Chad
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