For Such a Time as This

There can be no doubt that we are in troubled times, and I don’t think it’s an exaggeration to say that men’s hearts are failing them for fear. We live in a broken world surrounded by people with broken hearts and broken lives who long for hope and peace, which can only be found in Jesus. We, as His children, are called to pray. For such a time as this I have found hope and comfort in praying the psalms, especially Psalm 46, which is a heart cry for God’s presence and a confidence in His strength and power.

Despite our chaotic world, God is not a helpless onlooker. He is in complete control of natural disasters and wars. He is a safe place in which we can hide and is always near to help us in times of trouble. Therefore, we need not fear, even if we face the most extreme difficulties. When nations are in an uproar and kingdoms fail, He is above everything and always in control. He holds the nations in the hollow of His hand and is working out His kingdom purposes.

Whether we feel it or not, the truth is that God’s presence and power are with us in all circumstances. He offers to be a stronghold into which we can shelter and a source of strength which enables us to remain secure, whatever may cross our pathway. Our God is called The Lord Almighty and, as the old hymn says, ‘His love is as great as His power and knows neither measure nor end.’

I was greatly moved when I saw a video clip of a Ukrainian family seated around an open Bible, singing the well-known words, ‘When peace like a river attendeth my way, when sorrows like sea billows roll, whatever my lot Thou has taught me to say, it is well, it is well with my soul.’ Theirs is living faith, which is carrying them through this most horrendous time. Our text for today. which was written in the context of war, must be very real to them. ‘Be still and know that I am God I will be exalted among the nations I will be exalted in the earth.’ God is still in control!

We can find deep comfort in knowing that God is all powerful and that He is Lord of the nations. He is Lord over all, and Lord over my life. As I surrender to His Lordship and become still in His presence, I exchange my striving and struggling for His perfect peace. This wonderful God, whose love and faithfulness will never end, whispers to me, “Know that I am God.” This simple truth carries the assurance of peace in the darkest of times and everlasting peace in His eternal kingdom.

When we read and meditate upon the Word of God, we are encouraged to hope and trust in Him at the worst of times, and to take comfort from the reality of His presence, even if things seem hopeless, or we are oppressed and troubled.  In Jesus, our victorious Saviour, we also have victory, because ‘In all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us’ (Romans 8:37).