I have been threatened for the last several weeks by a man who is willing to take me, our church and anyone associated with it, down if he doesn't get his way. He is evil, but his threats are serious and their effect have been paralyzing. Fear has governed my heart, fear of the unknown, fear of all that I have little control over. There is something in me that says, "Flee like a bird to your mountain, for behold, the wicked bend the bow; they have fitted their arrow to the string to shoot in the dark at the upright in heart; if the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do?”
Yet, "The Lord is in his holy temple; the Lord's throne is in heaven." Here is the remedy for anxiety and the strength to stand up to fear. God is ruling, not those who think they may be. Anxiety is living certain of an unknown but undesired outcome. Peace is rooted in certainty of what is certain and what is certain is God is on His throne.
So why do we face attacks, and why must we live so out of control over so very important outcomes? "The Lord tests the righteous, but his soul hates the wicked and the one who loves violence." God uses the ungodly to test our faith. He tests us not to expose us as lacking, but to strengthen and condition us. Since His rule is certain, trusting in Him will always end with increased faith. As long as we don't give up too soon, He will show Himself true.
Not so for the ungodly. No matter the appearance of progress and victory, the evil will come to ruin. All their schemes and all the energy they put into promoting themselves will be for nothing for their end is certain. The psalmist says, "Let him rain coals on the wicked; fire and sulfur and a scorching wind shall be the portion of their cup."
But for those whose trust is the Lord, who find refuge not in the things of God, but God, our future is also certain. "For the Lord is righteous; he loves righteous deeds; the upright shall behold his face." We shall behold His face. For those whose treasure is God, His love and care and friendship, even adoption as sons and daughters, this is hope.
So, in times when everything that seems good is threatened, draw near into Him as a refuge, a place of rest and peace. Trust in Him and find Him to be your treasure and prize. He doesn't promise to give all our desired outcomes, but He does promise Himself. So, may we trust in Him and live certain that we will not be disappointed!
love,
dad
