As I prayed about this week’s post, I couldn’t stop thinking about current events in our community, our nation, and the world.

For many, 2015 has been steeped in sorrow.

“Lone-wolf” shootings, acts of terrorism, natural disasters, and government scandals rock the nightly newscasts. Human life is discarded like so much trash. Those who mock God’s laws are lauded as “heroes” while those who stand for righteousness are called “bigots.”

Not to mention Satan’s use of our political and justice systems to wage war against Christ-centered laws and precepts.

We do live in an upside-down world and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and to wonder if God is still in control. But we have to remind ourselves…

He is.

Nothing takes our Lord by surprise. He is not caught “off guard” by the chaos on this old planet.

Someday, there will be justice.

In the meantime, He has given His Word to sustain us and His Holy Spirit to guide us.

 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

Did you see that? “But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

Dear Friend, that’s called hope.

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

My prayer is that these verses will minister to your heart today. Draw strength and courage from the Words of the Living God. Memorize them so that Truth is written in your heart and mind when needed—when the Deceiver tries to take away your hope and rob you of joy.

When the ground seems to be shifting beneath your feet, stand on the Rock.

We can trust Him.

He is Faithful and True.

Thank you, Father God, for being our Rock and our Salvation. Convict our hearts to meditate on Your Word. Teach us to love and serve You—to be salt and light where You have placed us. And Father, teach us how to pray for this broken world.

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Psalm 16:8

Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken. Psalm 62:6

You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you. Isaiah 26:3

Photo art by Hilary Brooke Hall