Dr. Kevin Rivers
2020 was an unprecedented, uniquely challenging year for all of us in so many ways. Many hoped that with a new year, the flipping of a “20” over to a “21” would come new hope. It only took six days into that new year for us to be abruptly reminded that hope doesn’t come with numbers, nations, politics, parties, or people.
For many years, we have watched any shred of morality in our nation erode and feel increasingly overcome by evil. Evil that we must stand against as God’s Church. The sinful heart of humanity is so often on full display as we have seen in violent, disturbing, unsettling, and sinful ways of late. Nothing and no one on earth can fix this problem. Only Jesus. Only Jesus.
Psalm 121:1-2
1 I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come?
2 My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth.
In a time when distinct reminders abound that a new year doesn’t bring new hope, let us lift our eyes above the mess and look to Jesus, the only hope and help for our world and all its problems. If you have allowed political idolatry or any form of idolatry to creep into your life, if you have been looking to anything or anyone other than Jesus for hope, join me in pausing to adjust your focus. Stop scrolling and start seeking God. The only hope for our nation is to humble ourselves, turning from our wicked ways to pray and seek His face (2 Chronicles 7:14).
Jesus followers, be reminded that our primary calling is to be ambassadors for King Jesus (2 Corinthians 5:11-21). We are called to be peacemakers (Matthew 5:19). Let us pursue unity while the enemy wreaks havoc and seeks to devour us through division. Let us love loudly in a world that frequently peddles hatred (1 Corinthians 13). Let us refrain from fueling the fires of division but instead pour the water of the Word of Christ onto those fires with our words and actions. Let us be quick to listen, slow to speak in a world that is quick to plug ears and scream profusely. Let us display grace overflowing. Let us remember that our hope lies in an eternal Kingdom, not any temporary system. Let us breathe life and light into a world full of death and darkness.
I do feel what our Worship Pastor, Chip Clark, recently said, “I’m not ok with what is going on… I’m ok in Jesus!” Be encouraged today that Jesus is still on the throne, and nothing can dethrone Him. He is sovereign. He is in charge. He will win. He is the One who said….
“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world, you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
Take heart, church. We serve a world-overcoming God. We serve the God of peace through the storm. We can lift our eyes above the brokenness to find a God of grace who loves us. Let’s lift our eyes to Him together as we shine His light into all the darkness.
