I know for many of you reading this, you have been listening to the news around the world for quite some time, to everything from Covid, Ukraine, to now what is going on in Israel. From the very beginning I have always said just look at a variety of sources for information to make sure what you are hearing is actually the truth. And when all else fails, what do the Scriptures say? Surprisingly you can find a lot of your answers within the pages of history and prophecy.
You may be saying, “That is great but how is that really going to help me sleep at night, or keep my anxiety in check from all that I have no control over?” I get it, really, I do. Life happens, things out of our control blind side us and leave us reeling. Whether it be from a loss or a change in job, a move wanted or forced, medical news that is life altering or NOT what you wanted to hear, loved ones suffering, passing or going astray. Add in the external country and world’s chaos, and it can seem like there is no sure footing any more, just shifting sand.
I was so amazed at Youth Group this week at the knowledge and questions that the kids were asking us about the world’s events. They know way more than we give them credit for. They had serious questions and had been listening to a lot of sources from school, YouTube, and TikTok. But the cool thing was they were saying, “Well we have talked about a lot of this in Youth Group!” Or they knew the prophecies, and geography of where these stories came from. It is times like this that I realize and say a prayer of Thanksgiving that we are raising a generation that is listening. They are asking and wondering, and most importantly taking our advice by trying to look at events and stories through the lens of scripture. Honestly that is all any of us can do.
So, when everything seems like it is falling apart and we have lost our footing, what foundation are you trying to stand on? Are you grabbing for yet another news story to make sense? Are you looking at an event that will change the trajectory of your circumstance, to others to help your hurting heart? Or are you taking all of this to Jesus who said he is the Solid Rock, The Cornerstone, the Foundation. At times like these I cannot help but hear those old hymns of wonderful theology that give me peace, strength and assurance.
🎶 “Blessed assurance Jesus is mine, Oh what a foretaste of glory divine…” 🎶
🎶 “I’ve got peace like a river in my soul…” 🎶
🎶 “How firm a foundation ye saints of the Lord…” 🎶
🎶 “It is well with my soul…” 🎶
🎶 “Grace greater than all our sins.” 🎶
And right now the one that keeps looping is,
🎶 “My Hope is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness.
On Christ the Solid Rock I stand all other ground is sinking sand,
all other ground is sinking sand.” 🎶
It is the solid rock of scripture that gives us the firm foundation to stand on when the world is spinning, when chaos exudes, when uncertainty rages around and maybe our world seems like it is unraveling.
Jesus said, “In this world you will have trouble, but take heart for I have overcome the world.” He also told his disciples that there would be wars and rumors of wars, but we have also been given many, many prophecies of Christ’s return for His saints. We know that ultimately, he is coming back for his Bride and will establish his kingdom here on earth and reign for 1000 years.
We will be starting a journey through the Book of Revelation. Why is it important to read and know it? At the very beginning John tells us that there is a special blessing to each one who reads the words of the book. And there is a lot that not only applies, but ultimately is written to give us HOPE, Peace, Assurance and a Promise that Christ has not forsaken us and at the midnight hour is coming back! What a wonderful Promise!
As you go through your days, weeks, and months, rest assured if you are grounding yourself on the solid rock of Christ, no amount of wind, storms or shifting sand will move you. Cling to the one, the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and End. The One who Was and Is and Is to Come. The King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
Shalom,
Pastor Penny
