It seems that every time I turn round there is another piece of disturbing news. Whether it is in this country, or in places around the world, everything seems to be in turmoil. How do we make sense of it? How might we sift through all the bad news to find something to give us hope? How do we make sense of the problems impacting us on a personal level? Sometimes, it all seems too much. I remember, many years ago, going to the theatre with my sister to see a performance of “Stop the world, I want to get off!” That is a sentiment that some want to embrace today.
When Joshua took the leadership of the Jews in the wilderness, after the death of Moses, God said to him, “Just as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you or forsake you” (Joshua 1:5). It was a difficult time for Israel. The Jews would face many trials and battles under the leadership of Joshua, but Joshua knew that, come what may, God was with him.
At a time of great turmoil for Jesus and his disciples, he told them, “Let not your hearts be troubled … if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and take you to myself” (John 14:1 … 4). He also told them, “I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you” (John 14:18). The disciples would face many hardships and challenges in their lives from here on in, but they were able to face them because they knew, with absolute certainty that the Lord was with them.
Amid all the uncertainty and the troubles of this world, we can know for sure that our God will never leave us or forsake us. We know that God loves us and cares for us and that whatever may befall us, He is always with us — his rod and staff comfort us (Psalm 23:4).
As 2019 sparks into life, may you find peace, and comfort, and stability in this world full of turmoil.
Colin R. Vine