There has never been a time in human history when life was easy. Each era and each generation has had its own problems to contend with.
Human nature doesn’t change from age to age. Many human problems tend to resurface, again and again, over time. In fact, Ecclesiastes 7:10 is helpful to remember, when comparing today to the past. Solomon says that asking why the “good old days” were better than today is not wise.
As Christians, it may not be helpful for us to constantly long for the past. After all, Christianity is about renewal and hope for the future. Isaiah 43 is a prophetic passage about Christ’s coming. Here, God announces that Christ’s coming will put the focus on the present and the future. He is about to do something new that will demand our full attention.
Living in our current year may not be objectively worse than living in some other year. However, it does have unique challenges for us to face. Maybe you’ve been reflecting on our current moment in time and what God has to say about it. If you’re looking for a good Bible verse to meditate on, here are a few suggestions!
Facing Economic Ups and Downs
Hard economic times are nothing new. In fact, Jesus had a lot to say about money problems. In Matthew 26:11, He says that poverty will always be present in our world. That doesn’t mean we shouldn’t do what we can to eliminate poverty. However, to some degree, it will always remain a challenge for us to wrestle with.
Americans have been experiencing higher prices and interest rates for several months now. Things may be showing signs of improvement, but we still have an uncertain economic future. In fact, the World Bank warns that over half of all developing nations have debt that’s not sustainable, or could become unsustainable.
It can be hard to trace all the decisions that created today’s economy. In many cases, economic decisions made years ago are just now starting to take effect. Christians are not called to get bitter about economic hardship. Instead, it’s important to turn our eyes to Christ when things get tough. What does the Bible say about financial worries?
In Matthew 6:31-33, Jesus tells His followers that God already knows about all their physical needs. God hasn’t promised that we won’t experience physical hardship on earth. However, he has promised us that our eternal destination is secure. If we focus on seeking God’s kingdom, our life will glorify Him, even when it’s difficult.
Coping With Political Instability
Around the world, democracy also faces an uncertain future. Especially in Pakistan and Turkey, 2023 might prove to be a consequential year. The choice between one-person rule and democratic government is on the line.
Political unrest can be really scary, whether it’s happening overseas or here at home. However, again, it’s important for Christians to avoid becoming overly caught up in the political systems of today. Being a follower of Jesus means serving something bigger than any organization or ideology of this world.
In John 18:36, Jesus’ arrest and crucifixion are close at hand. Jesus is being questioned by Pilate, a Roman official, and Pilate asks what Jesus has done. Jesus responds by saying that His kingdom isn’t from this world. If it was, his followers would have fought to physically prevent His arrest. However, Jesus didn’t come to earth to change human governments or rewrite human laws. He came to bring salvation for anyone who freely chose to believe in Him.
No matter what’s happening politically, Christians can rest in the knowledge that they belong to something bigger than any earthly movement. The kingdom of heaven will remain standing after everything else on earth has changed. What an amazing truth!
Trusting God In Natural Disasters
On February 6, 2023, an earthquake struck in Turkey near the Syrian border. Its magnitude was measured at 7.8, which is historically devastating. Thousands have died, and the numbers keep rising.
Extreme weather events and other natural disasters can shake our sense of safety and security. However, it’s comforting to remember that God created the world and everything in it. No natural process is outside of His control. In fact, Jesus has the power to directly control the weather, as we see in Mark 4. When Jesus and His disciples are in a boat during a frightening storm, the disciples beg Jesus to do something. He raises His hand and tells the storm to stop–and it does.
God doesn’t always intervene in natural disasters. We live in a fallen world that will only be made perfect when Christ returns. However, through prayer, we do have direct access to the one who can make storms start and stop!
Wars And Rumors Of Wars
As of February 2023, Russia and Ukraine are engaged in a devastating war. Over 42,000 people have died in the conflict so far, and property damage has already amounted to around $350 billion. Here in America, threats from other nations might make us wonder whether war could be on the horizon.
Trusting God during war time isn’t always easy. David often feared for his life as he wrote the Psalms. He found that when his physical safety was in danger, the worry and uncertainty took a huge emotional toll.
In Matthew 24, Jesus gives his followers a glimpse of the future they face as believers. In verses 6-8, He explains that there will be wars, and Christians will have to live through them (or die in them). This is not an optimistic message by itself, but Jesus offers hope. Matthew 25:34 explains what Christians can look forward to when they die: a place in God’s kingdom, prepared for us since the world began.
Find A Church Family Today!
If you’re seeking God in the middle of all today’s uncertainties, one of the best things you can do is join a local church. At Harmony Baptist Church, we don’t have all the answers. However, we faithfully pray and study the Bible together as we seek to understand God’s will for us today. Join us this Sunday–our Contact page has all the details!
