Unrest

When trouble comes your way, how do you respond?
Are your first reactions anger, offense, worry, and fear?

Unrest

"When the whirlwind passes by, the wicked is no more,
But the righteous has an everlasting foundation."

(Proverbs 10:25)

There is much unrest in our world. There is a resurgence in COVID-19 cases, especially in the USA, and so much upheaval and political unrest in countries like South Africa, Haiti, and Cuba. Whether it is in a person's life, a family, or an entire country, when we obey God's commandments and His plans, then we are blessed. But if we choose to go our own way and ignore God's clear commands for us to pursue Him, then we will suffer the dire consequences.

When trouble comes your way, how do you respond? Are your first reactions anger, offense, worry, and fear? Those are the default positions of someone who is not trusting completely in God. Hard times come to us all. Our foundations will be tested by the adverse and howling winds of difficulty. It is not a matter of if but when things unravel, and chaos invades our otherwise tranquil and peaceful lives.

I have read about the many difficulties Robby Gallaty, pastor of Longhollow Baptist Church in Hendersonville, TN, and his family have endured over the last few weeks. His best friend, Chris Swain, suddenly fell ill and passed away, leaving behind his wife and two children. Then only a few days later, Robbie's father-in-law passed away very unexpectedly. Robby wrote that before these tragedies hit him and his family, he spent two days alone with the Lord in silence. He felt like God led him to do this to help prepare his soul for what was coming. Robbie and his wife Kandi are wading through deep and troubled waters. But what is amazing is the peace in the midst of it all. They grieve but not like those who do not have hope (1 Thessalonians 4:13).

The whirlwinds will indeed pass us by. We will all get that dreaded phone call no one wants to receive. We will experience the sting and pain of death. These tragedies will remind us we live in a fallen world. But we will not be utterly shaken. Why? We have an everlasting foundation! Jesus is our rock upon whom we build our lives, marriages, and families. He will never leave us or forsake us. God will walk with us through every trouble until we are safely on the other side.

If you are experiencing some dark nights of the soul, please know you are loved. God sees. He cares. He knows. Reach out to Him in prayer and call a trusted friend with whom you can share your burden.