Christ, Our Sure and Steady Anchor

I know how uncertain everything is right now. I know how unsettling and frustrating our current state of this world is. The moment everything seems to be getting back to normal, another wrench is thrown in our plans. But this shouldn't be a surprise to those who read their Bibles. Scripture literally tells us that division, chaos, hostility, disease, unrest, etc. are inevitable. God is gracious enough to warn us about these things in His Word. It's not the end all be all for those who are in Christ, meaning that one day all pain and sorrow will come to an end. (Revelation 21:4) But for now, tribulation is a part of our time here on earth because we were born into sin.

It is so important that we do not conform to the ways of the world and that we choose Christ in all that we do. Christians, we are not supposed to go with the flow of this world. We are supposed to live differently. If it's not something Jesus would do, don't do it. We don’t follow what the world does. We are not called to live in fear, but to rest assured in the finished work on the cross.

This topic has been heavy on my heart, especially since Covid has come into our lives. I’ve seen this playing out in my life as well as in the lives of people around me. I’m literally preaching to myself here. It’s easy to say we are Christian and that we have faith in Jesus.. But then when we are stripped of our temporary norms and comforts (school moving online, sports being canceled, work rituals changing, graduation plans canceled etc.) those words start to cripple and our responses to these cancellations are not a reflection of our declaration of faith at all.

Here are some scriptures that really helped me both keep my eyes fixed on Jesus in this time but also gave me a chance to evaluate how I’m living life right now in the midst of a pandemic and if I’m reflecting the ways of Christ as I live and I hope it does the same for you.

Romans 12:2

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

This verse commands us not to be conformed to the world, but to be transformed and renewed in Christ! As Christians, we are not to go with the flow of the world. We are not supposed to choose what is easy and comfortable. We are supposed to be renewed and transformed. If non-christians see us as one of them by the way we behave, that's a big problem. With everything going on right now, are you grumbling or giving thanks? (Philippians 2:14, 1 Thess 5:18, Ephesians 4:29) Where are your roots at? Are you rooted in fear? Material possessions? Other people? Or Christ?

Hebrews 13:8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

Isaiah 40:8 The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever.

1 John 2:17 The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.

As I mentioned earlier, scripture literally tells us that nothing in this world is certain except for the promises of Jesus Christ. If you are investing in things right now that are not in line with Jesus, they will fade away. (Matthew 6:19-21) I mean we already see this is happening right now. Covid came and stripped us of things we hold most dear to us. I’m not saying our feelings of grief and sorrow aren't valid, God is near to the broken hearted. Psalm 56:8 tells us that God keeps track of all our sorrows. He has collected all our tears in His bottle. He has recorded each one in His book. Jesus tells us that the things of this earth will come to pass, and He tells us this out of love. This shouldn't be a surprise to us. There is so much love, joy, and freedom in the name of Jesus. If you are resting your identity and confidence in something that is not in line with Jesus, it will return void or in vain. For Jesus is the way, the Truth, and the life. Are you clinging to God in this time of uncertainty or are you searching for earthly comforts? Where is your security coming from right now?

Isaiah 40:28 Have you not known? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable.

This verse brings me a lot of comfort. We are so accustomed to needing to find answers to everything immediately. If we can’t figure out the “why” behind something happening, it is super unsettling to us. But God does not call us to submit to such a lifestyle. For He tells us that His ways are higher than ours. His reasons and His understanding are unsearchable. Right now, are you trying to figure out what's going on with all of this? Or are you really truly trusting that God’s got this and He is in control? Are you living in fear because everything is so uncertain? Or are you living life each day clothed in the confidence of Christ? God is sovereign. God does not faint or grow weary. It’s easy to say we trust that God is in control, but are our actions really lining up with our words right now in this time of trial?

Father,

I thank you for being sovereign. For remaining true to your word and for not neglecting those who love you. I pray that this is a time for revival in the church. That people are able to see Your providence and promises so clearly even though there is a global pandemic going on. Lord I pray that we believe in our hearts that You really are Lord over all we know. That Your promises and Your Word remain good and true even when this world turns into chaos. I pray that people cling to You right now and not their fear. Not earthly comforters. I pray that we do not fade away but rather that we grow stronger in this uncertain time as we live out our faith. Lord You are our constant one, endless is your love. Help us to be a people who are deeply rooted in our faith and who hold tightly to Your word.

Lord be near to us.

Amen.

You are so loved.

Morgan