We live in uncertain times. But if we are honest with ourselves, we must acknowledge that uncertainty has characterized all of our times. What then makes these times seem different even to the point of fostering fear and anxiety? Current events cast an ominous shadow and threaten the stability of our daily lives. World peace is revealed as fragile at best, nothing more than a house of cards. Economic prosperity has grown elusive making it to appear beyond reach altogether. Law and order is no longer predictable making basic societal functions increasingly risky. Historic cultural absolutes are now questioned and fundamental premises denied. Add to all this, wickedness appears unchecked and the lack of civility has permeated society. Is it any wonder that anxiety dominates so many lives today?
There is hope! An event in the history of Judah will illustrate this unfailing option. The nation of Assyria grew to empire status in the 8th century B.C. It overran the Northern Kingdom of Israel and carried the Israelites captive back to Assyria in 722 B.C. Now this evil empire stood on the threshold of doing the same to Judah. In that very threatening time God reminded his people through his prophet, Isaiah, of an unchanging truth. “The LORD is exalted; for he dwelleth on high…and [consequently] wisdom and knowledge shall be the stability of thy times, and strength of salvation” (Isaiah 33:5-6).
God is the source of our comfort and hope. The circumstances of our lives are under his control. The Scriptures tell us that he “works all things after the counsel of his own will” (Ephesians 1:11; emphasis added). This includes the advance and retreat of kings and their kingdoms. To finish the story above, Assyria was precluded from invading Jerusalem; the LORD himself destroyed their army; they returned home and their king was killed by his own two sons.
But it is not sufficient to only know that God is in control. What makes that truth so assuring and comforting is that God is also unfailingly good. God is always good and he only does good. His behavior is not contingent on our goodness, but flows from his very nature. The child of God can say with David, “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life” (Psalm 23:6). As Paul wrote to the believers in Rome, “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28). The God who comforted David is the same God who confirmed his word to Paul and is the same God that we love and serve today. Both his purpose and goodness are unchangeable.
There is much to discourage and dishearten the believer today. A casual viewing of the evening news confirms this. But God invites each of us to put our confidence in him that we may know his peace in our times. Those that do so “shall not be afraid of evil tidings: [for] his heart is fixed, trusting in the LORD” (Psalm 112:7). Consequently, “Thou will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee because he trusteth in thee” (Isaiah 26:3). We can have peace in our times.
From the Chaplain 