the Rock at the bottom

 

In our overly-digitized age, we are constantly bombarded with information. It is overwhelming, anxiety inducing, and it often feels as if we have to have an opinion and be fighting for or against nearly eight hundred forty things at once. Truly, I do not believe humanity was meant to carry a burden like this; the burden of being aware of almost every bad thing happening at once - but, nevertheless, this is the way it is now and will be. So, allow me to remind and encourage you:

When it all feels too overwhelming to take, pause and remember that you are not required to carry the weight of the world on your shoulders. Christ did that for you.

When you see that it is spiraling "out of control" into madness, pause and remember that our Heavenly Father reigns over all.

Not even a sparrow falls apart from Him.

In Matthew 10, Jesus tells His disciples that there are days of difficulty coming. We are not to be naive; we understand that those who desire to live a godly life will be persecuted (2 Timothy 3:12) and that the world will hate us, for the sake of Christ (John 15:19).

Yet, He gives great encouragement. He demonstrates His loving control over all things and commands us not to be fearful. 

"So have no fear of them, for nothing is covered that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known.  What I tell you in the dark, say in the light, and what you hear whispered, proclaim on the housetops. And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows" (Matthew 10:26-31).

We can place great hope in the truth that nothing happens apart from the Sovereign oversight of the King, nor does anything happen to the Believer that is not for our good and His glory. The Rock at the bottom of it all — our foundation — is Christ Himself. He has gone to the cross on our behalf, giving us a "sure and steady anchor" for our souls (Hebrews 6:18-20). No matter what happens, our eternity is secure. Our afflictions are momentary in light of the endless stretch of eternity (2 Corinthians 4:17).

Even in light of grave persecution, the likes of which we have never known here in America, the apostle Paul was confident in the Sovereignty of God and that He was working all things according to His purpose - for good, despite his circumstances. When you feel weak and unable to cope, remember that the strength of Christ is made manifest in your weakness - and it is something to boast in; to be content in, even (2 Corinthians 12:9-10).

When we come face to face with the immutable truth that the Lord reigns over all, no matter what, it gives us rest. 

“Remember this and stand firm, recall it to mind, you transgressors,
remember the former things of old;
for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me, declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, 'My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose.'"                                                                          - Isaiah 46:8-11

Jerry Bridges wrote in Trusting God,

"God is in control; He is sovereign. He does whatever pleases Him and determines whether we can do what we have planned. This is the essence of God's sovereignty: His absolute independence to do as He pleases and His absolute control over the actions of all His creatures. No creature, person, or empire can either thwart His will or act outside the bounds of His will" (p. 24).

Knowing God controls all things allows us to trust Him, absolutely. 

This does not mean that the days ahead will not be difficult. It does mean that we have a confidence not of this world.

Sometimes you aren't in a position to take a revolting stand, but you can still make a difference. Quiet obedience to God is an act of rebellion in a perverse culture. Be faithful in the small things, trust His Word, be discerning, and rest in Him.

May we proclaim, like the multitude in Revelation,
“Hallelujah! For the Lord our God, the Almighty, reigns."