Voices In The Wilderness!

Many of us listening, watching, or reading the news notice a trend that seems to be continuing. This trend we may notice is intolerance, selfishness, and an uptick in violence. My son, who is 20 years old, continues to believe mankind will damage the world through war — wondering how much time his generation has left on the planet. Many of us who are parents wonder what should we say to our children? Recently, I came across some disheartening news about a local mall. It’s facing a significant loss of stores due to the alarming rise in juvenile violence. These young individuals are resorting to fighting, shooting, and harassing people, disrupting their daily lives and causing widespread concern in the community. 

We are also observing the alarming trend of armed conflicts escalating. First, it was Russia and Ukraine, followed by Palestine and Israel. Now, Iran, the US, and Israel are involved in a conflict. Prices for essential items like food, oil, power, and gas are continuously rising. Amidst these unsettling developments, many individuals are left wondering, “Where can we find a safe place?” 

A Safe Place…

I’ll begin with Psalm 46:1, which states, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” Yes, the Lord is our refuge. He is ever-present, watching over us and our safe place. The scriptures continue by saying, “The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer… in whom I take refuge.” – Psalm 18:2.  What’s worth noting is the phrase “in whom I take refuge.” Taking refuge in the Lord is a choice because it requires our faith to do so. 

To emphasize the Lord’s active focus and protection over us, we must simply believe what the Word of God clearly states. “Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty…” -Psalm 91:1-2. Let us pay close attention to the wording. If we choose to “dwell in the shelter…” and “will rest in…”, while these statements affirm the power of free will, the scripture also affirms the Lord’s desires for us. Furthermore, we read, “The Lord will keep you from all harm—He will watch over your life.” -Psalm 121:7-8. Therefore, the Lord’s intent is clear, and the protection is available if we stand in faith. 

What About Free Will?

Yes, free will undoubtedly plays a significant role in this matter. As I previously mentioned, believing and having faith is a deliberate choice. Moreover, it requires consistent effort to nurture and sustain that faith. Remember the biblical verse, “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” -Romans 10:17. The question arises: are you actively choosing to nurture your faith by engaging in activities such as reading, studying, praying, and sharing the word of God? To experience a sense of safety, protection, and guidance from the Lord, we must remain “in the Lord.” This implies that we are connected and united with Christ. As believers, we are spiritually intertwined with Jesus, sharing His life, death, and resurrection. This also signifies that God is with us through the Holy Spirit. Despite our free will, we must choose to listen to the word of God, study it, speak it, and act upon it. When we live in accordance with His will, He will guide us from within and provide us with protection. This inner guidance and protection serve as our strength during challenging times and is our “safe place.”

Let us remember the comforting words of Isaiah 41:10, “Do not fear, for I am with you… I will strengthen you and help you.” The Lord is our unwavering refuge and shield, so let us stand firm in our faith! 

Let Us Pray!

Remember, the Gospel is good news for all situations!