In a world which is full of endless turmoil, terror, and trials, it is easy to think that the Christian life is just an endless slog. It is easy to think that each day is just another day of hoping for the best in the morning and trying to go to sleep while disappointed.
This is an understandable feeling because so much around us is utterly beyond our control. We, ourselves, cannot do anything about the various wars which are taking place in the world. We cannot solve the issues that our new PM is now faced with, regardless of how you feel about the person in the role. We cannot fix the issues in our own community.
But by grace, we belong to the One who can do this. We belong to the One who even now is orchestrating all of history to its glorious goal: the resurrection of all creation and the reunion of heaven and earth under the good King Jesus.
While we face these disappointments, we need not be crushed by them for, if you belong to Jesus, your future is sure.
I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand. I and the Father are one.” (John 10:28-30, ESV)
If you belong to Jesus, then you belong to the God who is love and justice and righteousness. You belong to the God who will accomplish all of this for his people because he loves them. This is the root of Christian resilience in a dark world. It is not found in our actions or our steeling ourselves against coming difficulties. It is rooted in the One to whom we belong.
So today, on this first Monday of August, look to Jesus again. See how he has overcome the world around you and keep your eyes there. He will surely keep you.
Notices
Join us tomorrow at 7:30pm for Tuesday Night Prayer! This is a great opportunity to gather, rest, and join together in prayer to our great God, turning our eyes to the one who has overcome the world.
Sunday Night Firesides are back on Sunday, 9 August at 7pm. Get in touch with Pastor Dan for details.
Praise In The Park is also back on, weather permitting, at the Battery Park on Sunday, 9 August from 3-4pm. Last time, there were over 120 people in attendance as the park was filled with singing and to hear the good news of the Lord Jesus.