Finding Rest In These Crazy Times
SEPTEMBER 17, 2020
By Karen Makishima, Director of Ohana Ministries
In a time when our world seems to be out of control (political divide, racial injustice, devasting wildfires, COVID pandemic, economic downfall), it is a natural reaction for us to become so overwhelmed and anxious about all of the uncertainty we are experiencing. At times we may even feel like we have lost all control, and then fear sets in. But if we are to fear, we should fear the one who can destroy our mind and soul from rest. For without this rest anxiety can take hold of our mind.
As Christ followers we are called to be still and know that the Lord is God. Yes, we are called to be still in our mind. Is it possible that we can find rest for our mind and soul during this crazy time of uncertainty? The writer of Psalm 46 reminds us that:
“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.” (Psalm 46:1-3)
I love looking back in my journal and reading page after page about God’s faithfulness and the promises He kept in my life. There were so many times when I could see how He answered my prayers. Sometimes, He would answer “Yes,” sometimes His answer would be, “No, I have another plan for you. It is a better plan.” And sometimes His answer would be, “Not yet for you are not ready. I am still developing and refining your character in this area.”
When I see that God was with me throughout all the uncertainty in my life, my mind and soul find true rest because I can trust that God has got it. He can handle all the craziness of all the uncertainty. When I dwell on the fact that God is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow, my fears are relieved and I find rest. The bonus for me in finding rest in my mind is knowing that He already knows the outcome of tomorrow. Nothing surprises Him! This brings me comfort.
“The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.
Come and see what the Lord has done, the desolations He has brought on the earth.
He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth.
He breaks the bow and shatters the spear; He burns the shields with fire.
He says, “Be still, and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”
The Lord Almighty is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress.” (Psalm 46:7-11)
Prayer: Lord, help us to quiet our minds to be still and know that You are God. Thank You for being with us in the midst of all of our uncertainty. Help us to trust in You. Amen
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