We live in uncertain times. We’ve probably always sensed this, but it’s been accentuated strongly by the spread of the Coronavirus. In times like these, it’s easy to feel like nothing is predictable or certain. Our anxiety isn’t completely unfounded either, but it also underlines the truth that we can’t rest our hope on the fragile web of this world. The economy, our health, our government, and all of which sometimes provide us with a sense of stability, can fail us at any given time.
Who We Can Rely On
However, uncertain times can also provide valuable opportunities to point us to the things we can truly rely on. Jesus Christ entered into this broken, uncertain planet 2,000 years ago and walked in our shoes. He lived under an oppressive Roman rule, dealt with unreliable friends, and encountered illnesses for which there was no known cure. He then let the full weight of the world fall upon his shoulders and died a death he didn’t deserve to die, so that we could live a life that we don’t deserve to live.
“Because Christ stood before God as if he were you, you stand before God as if you were Christ.” – Charles Spurgeon
In Hebrews 6:19-20 (NIV), we are told that, “We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, where our forerunner, Jesus, has entered on our behalf.” Jesus is our anchor and our certainty amidst the storms of life. He stretches out his arms to the entire world, inviting broken and fearful humanity to come into his family. Once we become a part of his family, God makes his peace and wholeness available to us.
Charles Spurgeon said, “Because Christ stood before God as if he were you, you stand before God as if you were Christ.” That’s it. That is the gospel. We stand before God as if we were Christ himself. Because of Jesus’ shed blood and broken body, we never have to wonder how God feels toward us. We are told in 1 John 4:18 that “perfect love casts out fear.” It’s God’s perfect and complete love that calms our hearts amidst uncertainty.
Some Important Truths
To experience the love God has for us, we have to remind ourselves of these important truths. We must remind ourselves that Jesus is in us, and he is our eternal rock. He is our fortress, our hiding place. He created the universe and is forever on our side. He defeated death itself, and nothing stands in his way. While not everything we experience in this life is good, Romans 8:28 tells us that God will make, not just some things, but “all” things work together for our good and his glory.
“God won’t hide himself from you.”
Jesus is our confidence and our certainty, regardless of our circumstances. His love and faithfulness never change. But how do we experience his perfect peace, especially when those circumstances seem to shout louder than God’s voice? When we pray, spend time in his word, or simply turn our hearts to him in quiet contemplation, we can be sure he will be right there to meet us, even if it doesn’t feel like it in the moment. God won’t hide himself from you. He has extraordinary plans for your life and doesn’t want you to live in timidity and fear. His love for you is extravagant; its reach and breadth is greater than you could know. His love for you is meticulous; he knows everything about you, and he will provide everything you need in his time and in his detailed way.
Wherever You Are
My encouragement to you is to start seeking God wherever you are. Start by simply praying to him and telling him exactly how you feel. There isn’t a question, doubt, or fear that has crossed your mind that intimidates or surprises God.
“You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:13
Carving out time to spend with God can be as simple as praying while you wash your hands or turning off the radio in the car to talk to him about how you feel and what you’re struggling with. God will meet you exactly where you are and will show up in ways that exceed what you ask for or imagine. In Jeremiah 29:13, God speaks and he says, “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” We can be sure he’ll be true to his word; he always has and always will.
