Mike Franklin
Often, through careful observation, things can be discerned regarding the condition of people’s hearts. If you look around, people are walking with their shoulders drooping a bit due to anxiety, despair, and sadness. As of this morning, 3.5 million refugees have fled from Ukraine.
Governmental policy has stymied the economy with staggering inflation and $4 per gallon of gasoline. The frustration is revealed in the wrinkles on each passing face. Pessimism flows through the aisles of the grocery stores and even in the halls of schools and churches. Questions which have no answers cause continuous loss of sleep over the fear of war, shortages, financial difficulties, and sickness.
We need to realize it is the “what ifs” which hold a smothering grip over our lives like a python, wrapped tightly around our necks. What if we are standing on the brink of World War III? What if Russia continues its pursuit in other countries? What if China invades Taiwan? What if nuclear war erupts? What if war crosses over the Bering Strait to us – through Alaska? What if…
Isaiah found himself in a similar situation at the death of King Uzziah. His hopes and dreams were pinned on this young superstar of a leader. War with Assyria hung over Israel like the sword of Damocles waiting to drop. Where did Isaiah find hope? Isa 6:1 “ In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord seated on a throne, high and exalted…” Isaiah’s hope came when he lifted his eyes to the heavenly King, the Lord over heaven and earth.
The same will be true for you. The source of peace in the time of trouble is seeing the King who is sovereign over every earthly king; seeing the King whose guiding hand raises kings of earth up and tears them down. When we remember He is in charge, we can find strength to go on in peace.
The psalmist was faced with similar situations. David is writing in Psalm 5 about the wickedness of his enemies said, “For there is no faithfulness in their mouth; their inward part is very wickedness; their throat is an open sepulcher; they flatter with their tongue” Psalm 5:9. Such a statement could be made for today’s atmosphere as well. The tongues of many lie to us daily, and we can no longer trust what we hear, see, or read on television or the internet, much less what we hear spoken in the streets.
The layers of freedom our beautiful country offers are being peeled away, “But let all those rejoice who put their trust in You; Let them ever shout for joy, because You defend them; Let those also who love Your name be joyful in You. For You, O Lord, will bless the righteous; With favor You will surround him as with a shield” Psalm 5:11-12. For deliverance and hope, David knew where to turn when all around him seemed to be crumbling. He knew the source of his strength could be found in the Lord and Him alone.
Sometimes, it is difficult to find our strength when all around reeks of defeat, but do not fear. The same God who hung the stars in the sky holds you in the palm of His hand. “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life and have it to the full.” Jn. 10:10.
The other day someone asked me, “How’s the battle?”
The expression on my face said it all. I wasn’t certain what he was referring to.
“The battle of life,” he answered with a grin. “Are you winning?”
I chuckled. “Yes, I am through Him who gives me strength.”
Every day, life can be a battle. Like Isaiah and King David, we must focus on Who defends us; Who surrounds us with favor; Who shields us from those who would destroy us. If you look to the King above every king, you will find hope for today because God wins. Yes, God wins. Make certain you are on the winning team.
Mike Franklin is the head pastor at The Torch in Demorest.