In Times Like These

This is a question the Bible answers in many places. David writes the answer in Psalm 18:30-32 when he says,

“As for God, His way is perfect: the word of the LORD is tried: he is a buckler [shield] to all those that trust in him. For who is God save the LORD? Or who is a rock save our God? It is God that girdeth me with strength, and maketh my way perfect [secure].”

David wrote this testimony in song, also recorded in 2 Samuel 22, after three years of famine and near death at the hand of the Philistine giants.  David acknowledged that God was the source of his victory and safety.  He knew that God’s care did not prevent the troubles and trials of life.  The battles come, but God is greater than the battles.  We may feel some wind and rain.  We may feel some doubt and fear.  But, we must remember God is our strength and power, and He will make our way secure (2 Samuel 22:33).

It is in our DNA as human beings to strive for a certain amount of comfort and control over our lives.  If there has ever been a time in our world since WWII that our comfort and control have been challenged, it is now.  We save money so we can experience these two things in our life.  We also spend money so we can enjoy these two things in our life.  However, our Lord teaches us in Matthew 6:19-34 that our lives are to be lived not for comfort or control, but for His kingdom and His righteousness.  In fact, He tells us that when we do live for His kingdom and righteousness that He will take care of all our needs.  He also states emphatically in this passage not to put our trust in money or the things it can buy.  We are tempted to think that if we work hard enough in this life to have health and wealth that we will enjoy that independence for which we long.  I am all for being good stewards of our bodies and money, but placing our security in these things is not what God desires.  God has always desired our dependence to be in Him (2 Chronicles 16:9). This was His message throughout the Old Testament to His children.

Look at these verses:

Proverbs 3:5-6  - “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct thy paths.”

Psalm 73:26  - “My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion [all I need] for ever.”

Lamentations 3:24  - “The LORD is my portion [all I need], saith my soul; therefore will I hope in Him.”

Romans 8:31-32  - “What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? He that spared not His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?”

In 1927, the wife of Scottish preacher Arthur Gossip died suddenly.  When he returned to the pulpit, he preached a sermon entitled “When Life Tumbles in, What Then?”  With his life suddenly interrupted by the tragic and unexpected death of his wife, Gossip went on to explain that during this darkest period of his life he needed his faith more than ever. He said to his congregation, “You people in the sunshine may believe the faith, but we in the shadow must believe it. We have nothing else.” Trusting the Lord in everything is not just for the sunny days, we can trust Him during the tough times as well.

We are all being tested in the losses we have faced during this COVID-19 trial.  These times remind us where our security must lie.  We must also remember that this life is not all there is. The One who died in our place is preparing a new place for us without viruses and where His presence will be a daily reminder that He is enough!  Hallelujah!!

Look at this wonderful reminder from Horatio G. Spafford, written in 1873 after the loss of his family:

“When peace like a river attendeth my way, When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say, ‘It is well, it is well with my soul.’

Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come, Let this blest assurance control,
That Christ has regarded my helpless estate, And hath shed His own blood for my soul.

My sin – O the bliss of this glorious thought, My sin – not in part but the whole,
Is nailed to the cross and I bear it no more.  Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!

And, Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight, The clouds be rolled back as a scroll,
The trump shall resound and the Lord shall descend, ‘Even so’ – it is well with my soul.”