Safe Harbor

So humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time. Cast all your worries upon Him because He cares for you (1 Pt. 5:6-7).

Change is all around us these days and with that change comes a lot of uncertainty. The presidential election season is in full swing and a new administration will likely bring new ideas and ways of doing things. The potential impact on individuals, families and businesses is unknown at this time. People are worried about the current crisis in the stock market and housing industry, and wondering if their retirement plans are safe. Residents of the Caribbean and US states around the Gulf of Mexico are struggling to recover from the recent hurricanes. I even read a news report this morning stating that officials fear that many people who ignored evacuation orders may have been swept into the Gulf of Mexico.

Closer to home, three of our nieces are expecting children in October, November and December. Their homes are bustling with changes as they prepare to welcome the new arrivals. Two of them are first time mothers, wondering (not unexpectedly) what kind of parents they will be, if they be able to afford the bills and save money for college educations and all those other things that new parents think about.

In the midst of significant events like this, one thing is always certain: life will never be the same. We have a choice about how we react to the change that such events bring. Some people respond by worrying. Others immerse themselves in their work, or escape into various activities, both good and bad. When Hurricane Gustav struck a few weeks ago, and we started seeing the aftermath and destruction, a friend of mine remarked, “I don’t know how anyone gets through something like this without God.” We can stand firm on the promises of Christ. If God so clothes the grass of the field which grows today and is thrown into the oven tomorrow, will He not much more provide for you? (Mt. 6:30) He may not always give us what we want, but he will always give us what we need.

At all times but even more so during these times of uncertainty, we must hold fast to Him who is our hope, and attend all the more to what we have heard, so that we may not be carried away (Heb.2:1) by worry about the turbulence all around us. Sometimes it is the very thing that brings out the best that God has placed in us. I have the strength for everything though Him who empowers me (Phil. 4:13).

Prayer Request: For those worried about the future, and for those affected by recent disasters.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, we give thanks and praise for Your love and care for us. In times of trouble and uncertainty, help us to seek You in the midst of the storm, confident that you will never abandon us. We make this prayer through Christ, our Lord. Amen.