Greetings,
Have you noticed the dominant feeling amongst people in general is that of uncertainty? There are so many issues of life to which there are no clear answers. There are many unknowns. What does Brexit mean for Britain and the world? What does a Trump presidency mean for the United States and the world? What does the recent decline of ISIS in Iraq mean for world terrorism? Is Russia using the present uncertainties of the West to engineer a resurgence of international power and dominance? Who can provide definite answers to these questions?
At a level closer to home, the traditional markers for an orderly social structure have either changed or disappeared. Sociologists suggest that a culture of “therapeutic self-hood” (an increasing preoccupation with self) has effectively changed the traditional cultural models that help give people direction. The basic building block of society, the family, is increasingly dysfunctional and so altered that it is no longer a reliable, stabilizing influence.
With the focus of the mind inwardly directed, there can be no certainty in the human realm. There is nothing within a natural man that can produce the basis for trust. “It is not in man who walks to direct his own steps.” (Jeremiah 10:23). When God calls a person and that mind becomes open to the creative power of His Spirit, a foundation is laid for the working of that mind. The apostle John informs us that God’s word is truth and to this David adds, “The entrance of your words give light…” (Psalm 119:130). In Psalm 119 we are also reminded that God’s commandments and law are truth.
As God works with us, our trust can grow and our outlook goes from one of uncertainty to certainty. “…Cursed is the man who trusts in man… Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord.” (Jeremiah 17:5, 7). As God’s Spirit leads us into a deeper comprehension of His law as a way of life, truth becomes a more solid foundation under our feet. Our certainties become spiritually based and our lives are not “tossed to and fro” by the chaos in this world. As the apostle Paul pointed out, “Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air.” (1 Corinthians 9:26). We need to stay with the things we know – those things God’s Spirit makes clear to our understanding from God’s Word. God’s truth is certain and it endures to all generations, providing a solid foundation for us to view the difficult questions that are raised by unfolding events. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding.” (Proverbs 3:5).
Warm regards,
Brian Orchard
