What To Hold Onto In A World That Is Falling Apart

 Lately, devastation has seemed to be everywhere: in places like Texas and Florida that  are far away, or closer to home as a neighbor's house now lies a burned pile of blackened beams - remnants of a life that once was. Of years of memories and possessions that are now gone and in the literal history heap of time. People everywhere facing inestimable loss and trying to figure how to rebuild their lives. 

 As I see all this, my heart aches. But I am also reminded that in this life nothing is certain. We often treat our things and those closest to us as if we would have them forever. But all it takes is for something like this to happen and we quickly are reminded that these are not lasting, no matter how special to us they are. As hard as we may try to hold onto them, they will still go away eventually. 

 These situations serve as confirmation to us that God Himself is the one sure thing in this short life. Faith is believing in a predictable God in an unpredictable world. It's that simple. All other things fail us in times like these. Even well-meaning words of comfort fail to assure us aside from the fact that God is sovereign and even the worst events that transpire are under His control. It may seem like things are falling apart...it may appear as if situations are meant to break us right into two...but in the eyes of God, things may actually be falling into place according to His mysterious design and purpose. That's how things work in the Kingdom. To our clouded view, it may seem as though God has left His throne and evil is reigning large but, in reality, God is allowing these calamities to teach us the fallibility of this one life and the stability of His love in the midst of all things unpredictable. 

 We all must face crisis. It is inevitable, for every one of us will walk through valleys we did not choose. We will have to face deeply painful moments in which every part of us wants to run away...but in God, we must make ourselves choose brave. The truly faithful follower is that one who dares to believe God is good - even when everything else tells you otherwise. When life is falling apart, the only truth to hold onto is that God has a good purpose in everything He allows. If He is so well-intentioned, who are we to question Him and not accept what He gives! Who are we to tell Him He has failed us when He holds the universe (and these weak hearts of ours) in His strong and capable hands!

 In the midst of all this devastation, God speaks to us as He did so long ago to His own fearful disciples: "Do not be afraid." And in our moments of doubting, He questions us with the simple, "Oh you of little faith!" 

 It's hard to trust. It's hard to keep opening the hands. It's hard to keep telling a trembling heart that God loves when all around it appears as though He's left it all to fall apart and die. And yet, God has never left us alone. Never left us to face the hardest things without hope. 

 So hope on, dear soul. God is forever faithful, and you are forever loved. Let the devastation crumble all around, but be thou at peace.