This seemed like an appropriate title for this blog which addresses our disposition while living in the times we are living in right now. Too many people are a little too freaked out over all that is happening in the world; can you blame them? The road rage, the parking lot bantering, and the angry people in the drive-thrus at your local restaurant may all be showing signs of end time fatigue. For those who don’t know Jesus, their world is about to be worsened like never before. However, they too need to find the Christ as we have.
As believers in Jesus, we have a hope from the Father that He has everything in control, no matter how messed up things may seem. I don’t have to tell you all that is happening, only that end time scenarios are happening and folks are a bit stressed over the possible outcomes that may (will) befall us. For non-believers, this is terror incognita, for those of us who are saved, we have nothing to fear. The Lord is with us in this storm, we can be confident of this truth.
Whatever happens, be it an economic calamity, a nuclear attack, a botched presidential transition, or some other catastrophe that may befall us in the coming days or weeks; there is always something to be concerned about. That being said, will everybody just calm down! We need to keep our eyes on Jesus and our faith in His Word.
We have a saying, when things are spinning, cooler heads prevail. This is easy to say when you’re in a place of reasonable stability. However, when things are seemingly out of control, it’s harder to keep a calm demeanor. However, God’s Word has something to say about maintaining a calm and strong demeanor in a storm.
The psalmist proclaimed, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. 2 Therefore we will not fear, even though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; 3 Though its waters roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with its swelling.” – Selah – Psalm 43:1-3
- There are times in life when we need to be a people with a strong resolve, a resolute faith in God though Christ, and a people of the Spirit and the Book. The calamity that may befall us might be the very thing that God will use to show Himself strong in the midst of our crisis.
David said, “Preserve (watch over) me, O God, for in You I put my trust. 2 O my soul, you have said to the Lord, “You are my Lord, my goodness is nothing apart from You.” 3 As for the saints who are on the earth, “They are the excellent ones, in whom is all my delight.” – Psalm 16:1-3
- As believers, we are saints of the most High God. We are the ‘excellent ones,’ but only by God’s grace. This was written in an OT context, yet the message still proclaims our dependence upon the Lord to watch over us and preserve us as we place our faith (trust) in Him. He is our God, the Lord Jesus.
David continues, “O Lord, You are the portion of my inheritance and my cup; You maintain (uphold) my lot. 6 The lines have fallen to me in pleasant places; yes, I have a good inheritance. 7 I will bless the Lord who has given me counsel; my heart also instructs me in the night seasons. 8 I have set the Lord always before me; because He is at my right hand I shall not be moved. 9 Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoices; my flesh also will rest (dwell securely) in hope. 10 For You will not leave my soul in Sheol (the grave), nor will You allow Your Holy One to see corruption. 11 You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” – Psalm 16:5-11
- We have hope in Jesus, who is our portion in pleasant places with a good inheritance. He is speaking of heaven, but a little bit of that blessing also manifests on this side of the veil.
As we keep the Lord as our focus, His Spirit continues to abide within us, teaching us, guiding us, and showing us the way we should go, even in the midst of a storm. Because God is always with us, even at our right hand, we shall not be moved, even when we are at times. Our hearts are glad, our hope is secure, and our glory rejoices knowing that one day soon we will be with the Lord.
In this passage David proclaims a Messianic truth about Jesus who, even in His temporary death, His flesh did not see corruption. He rose from the grave and we will too when Christ comes for us. The Lord is always with us, showing us the way that we should go and leading us through this life. One day we will be in God’s presence, where there is fullness of joy and pleasures forevermore. This is something to be excited about, even in the midst of a storm. This truth is what inspires so many believers in Jesus; He is their ultimate hope.
Jesus demonstrated the proper conduct when in a storm; we need to rest, and in Christ’ case, He fell asleep during the tempest. He was tired, He was human, and He was confident that the storm was not a threat to He or the disciples. Of course the disciples had a different perspective.
Matthew recorded it this way, “Now when He (Jesus) got into a boat, His disciples followed Him. 24 And suddenly a great tempest arose on the sea, so that the boat was covered with the waves. But He was asleep. 25 Then His disciples came to Him and awoke Him, saying, “Lord, save us! We are perishing!” 26 But He said to them, “Why are you fearful, O you of little faith?” Then He arose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm. 27 So the men marveled, saying, “Who can this be, that even the winds and the sea obey Him?” – Matthew 8:23-27
- Storms happen in life, some are bigger than others, but to God, it’s just another storm and He is able to get us through it if we have faith to trust Him for it. Anyone can talk confidently about faith when things are going well, but when a storm arises, this is when our faith in God must secure our demeanor.
Everybody needs to calm down and ride out this storm as the Lord has intended us to. If we are raptured, then we are raptured, and we’ll all go home. If the Lord shows Himself strong for us and we get though this storm, our faith in God will be made stronger as a result of our trust in Him. He will get us through; He always does; He is God, our heavenly Father, that what He does for His children who love and trust Him.
Paul also addressed a proper spiritual disposition during times of uncertainty.
He said it this way, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.” – Philippians 4:6-8
- This passage has everything to do with a strong mental resolve that is focused on God’s Word and the faith it takes to believe it to be true. If we can apply this passage to our current crisis or storm, God will show Himself strong on our behalf because we are exercising His Word in a practical and proper way.
If you’re feeling a bit uneasy with all of the hoopla going on right now, just know that God has it all in control and He will reveal Himself to us in the storm. We just have to calm down and trust Him; we have no other recourse. Christ alone has the very words of life and He alone will get us through the storm and get us home to heaven someday soon. Until then, solider on and keep calm!
Maranatha!
Encouragemen is a blog written by Pastor Rob Lee, recently relocated to Northern Missouri. He lives with his wife of 35-years, near their three adult children, their spouses, and children (their grandchildren). Pastor Rob is an Ordained Assemblies of God minister, a Lead Pastor (25+ years), police chaplain, and community advocate. He continues to serve, consult, and disciple men of God, including those who are in the ministry.
Encourage Men 