Troublesome Times
Ponder: World conditions
Scripture: “For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 8:38, 39 NKJV).
Iran and North Korea continue to pursue their nuclear ambitions, while nuclear-armed Pakistan is an unstable tinderbox. Egypt has thrown out their Islamist president to the cheers of some and protests of others. Coupled with upheaval in other trouble spots, all of this has the potential to bring disaster beyond our worst nightmare. Certainly we ought to be praying fervently “for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence” (1 Timothy 2:2).
In the meanwhile, let us not become distracted by turmoil in the world. Keep the following three things in mind:
1. Jesus still reigns! Even in the worst of times, our Savior is still “King of Kings, and Lord of Lords” (Revelation 19:16). Those Christians to whom John wrote Revelation were suffering through trials at the hand of Imperial Rome far worse that anything we have experienced. Still, they could rest assured that Jesus had not abdicated His throne.
2. The world is still lost! Whether conditions are calm or turbulent, sin is still our most pressing problem. World peace might be desirable indeed, but world peace will not give us peace with God. Only the blood of Jesus can provide that. This being the case, realize one final thing . . .
3. The gospel is still “the power of God unto salvation” (Romans 1:16). Neither nuclear weapons nor the absence of them can save us. But neither can any dictator or terrorist destroy our relationship with God.
Our world is chaotic and unstable. In the words of Jesus: “Let not your heart be troubled” (John 14:1).
Song: “I Know Who Holds Tomorrow”
Prayer: Father in heaven, in a deeply troubled and dangerous world, we pray for Your hand to be upon the governing authorities everywhere. And please help us to be the salt and light You have called us to be, regardless of the situation. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Joe Slater (Justin, TX)
slater1954@yahoo.com