In ‘what’ do you place your confidence?

In ‘what’ do you place your confidence?

This year has once again presented so many challenges; there should not be any surprises in hearing that! The ‘on again – off again’ nature of daily life has been ever present. Currently we face discussions about what our lives will look like once the state borders open up, what shape international travel may take and so on.

There are new rules being placed upon society, with mandates stating the requirements for attendance at sporting events, at function centres, animal parks and the like, mandates placing constraint upon employment. It is daunting,

confusing, filled with uncertainty and heartache. What do we do? How can we plan? Will I see my family and friends? What does this look like? These are the very real and raw questions and emotions before us. Our confidence may feel shaky.

For the follower of Jesus, time and time again throughout the scriptures we see the challenge to place our trust, hope and confidence in God. Look at Proverbs 3:5-6. Or consider Psalm 139. Read again Isaiah 40:28-31. For the follower of Jesus, we are repeatedly called to consider the poor, the marginalised, the outcast, to offer care, welcome and provision to those on the fringes of society. What does Micah 6:6-8 instruct us? How does Jesus implore us to behave in Matthew 6:25-34? We could spend all day doing this.

Now, of course there are also plenty of passages of scripture that give direction to speaking up against injustice, standing firm against the oppressor, speaking truth in the darkness. I would wager though, that the spiritual dynamic in which we face ourselves still calls for my words and actions to honour Christ over and above myself. It is hard to wrestle with these truths. But it is truth nonetheless.

Paramount to all of this, is to encourage our hearts with what we read in scripture; that in every situation in every circumstance, through every trail and obstacle, God is with us. You may like to look up the following Bible passages, and as you do so I pray that your Spirit would lift, that your eyes would be fixed upon Jesus, that your heart would be encouraged and that your hope would be renewed.

Psalm 139:1-10
Matthew 6:25-34
Numbers 6:24-27
John 14:27
Colossians 1:15-20
Hebrews 12:1-3
1 Peter 1:3-5
1 John 3:1

God has this whole situation held tightly in His hands. God is watching over you.

"I lift up my eyes to the mountains— where does my help come from?
My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.
He will not let your foot slip— he who watches over you will not slumber;
indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.
The LORD watches over you— the LORD is your shade at your right hand;
the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night.
The LORD will keep you from all harm— he will watch over your life;
the LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore."
Psalm 121

Grace & Peace,

Adam Wood
College Chaplain