[This is one in a series of mid-week Reflections published by Horley Baptist Church during September 2020]
In the first of his midweek messages back in March, Martin posed the question “Can we find security?” Last week he asked a similar question “Can I have certainty in life?”
COVID-19 has demonstrated that we can have no certainty about the plans that we make, this week’s photo-news from Oregon shows that houses and real estate offer no assurance of security, and the debacle of Kanye West’s bid to become a presidential candidate in the USA proves that wealth and celebrity are no guarantees of success.
Do you find this lack of certainty and security unsettling? Are you one of those who can ‘fly by the seat of their pants’ or do you like things to be predictable, even a bit regimented? In short, are you happy?
Groucho Marx said “I, not events, have the power to make me happy or unhappy today. I can choose which it shall be. Yesterday is dead, tomorrow hasn’t arrived yet. I have just one day, today, and I’m going to be happy in it.”
The apostle Paul wrote something similar in his letter to the Philippians:
“I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.” [Philippians 4:12]
Of course, life includes periods of discontent, disappointment, despair, distress, desperation. The fallout from COVID has exacerbated these feelings; we cannot simply put on a happy-face mask and try to pretend that all is well. Can anything offer us stability during times of insecurity? How can we cope?
Patricia Owens reminds us that
We have an anchor that keeps the soul,
steadfast and sure while the billows roll;
fastened to the Rock which cannot move,
grounded firm and deep in the Saviour’s love!
For those who feel overwhelmed by those d-words, perhaps Paul’s words to the Thessalonians can offer some comfort:
“Now may the Lord of peace Himself grant you His peace at all times and in every way [that peace and spiritual well-being that comes to those who walk with Him, regardless of life’s circumstances]. The Lord be with you all.” [2 Thessalonians 3:16 Amplified Bible]
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Contributed by Steve Humphreys; © the Author
