Facing the Future Without Fear!
Earthly life has never been easy for humans, and it will never be. The reality of sin is not only exemplified in the human condition, but it remains evident in all other aspects of creation as well. Its effects are of cosmic proportions! Even those who would dispute the magnitude of sin in the world are, nevertheless, aware of its presence at least in some quarters around the globe.
The child of God, while not denying the continuing devastation sin is making in the universe, has a hope beyond this earthly life. And because of that, one can face each new day, and even the distant future, with positive anticipation. It is only the one who understands God’s designs and believes His promises, who can truthfully affirm: “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever” (Psalm 23:6).
The passage of a new day, a new week, another month, never alters that fact. Neither does one’s entrance into a new year, a new century, or a new millennium. God remains unchanged! And “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” Much may change but God’s purposes remain unaltered; His Truth is marching on, and His perfect will shall come to pass in every situation, albeit great or small! This applies to individual lives as well as to the conduct of nations and to the unfolding of created reality.
A favorite hymn of mine, proclaims in one of its stanzas that “the changes that are sure to come, I do not fear to see.” Such should, indeed, be the perpetual posture of any child of God under any circumstance. Even in the midst of inevitable trials, God’s children can remember that “God is our refuge and strength; a very present help in trouble (Psalm 46:1).
With the Sovereign God as our guide, with the assurance of His promises, and with the availability of all His resources for our pilgrimage, we may move through life with confidence, with uplifted head in any situation. He will meet our every need, He will rescue us from trouble, and He will take us home to Himself at the time of His own appointment.
From such solid foundation, it is expected of us that we face the future without fear. While we don’t know what the future holds, we most surely know Who holds the future. And He has only the best, reserved for those whom He has redeemed and called unto Himself!
