There are times when the world seems so chaotic that we don’t know how to pray or make sense of it all. God’s Word reminds us, “the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words” (Romans 8:26 ESV).
During uncertain and unstable times, it is important to be rooted in the truth of God’s Word – to be reminded of His sovereign care, eternal hope, and what He calls us to be and do.
“You are my refuge and my shield; your word is my source of hope.”
(Psalm 119:114 NLT)
God is still reigning over the nations.
“God reigns over the nations; God is seated on his holy throne” (Psalm 47:8).
God is still in control of everything.
“Praise the name of God forever and ever, for he has all wisdom and power. He controls the course of world events; he removes kings and sets up other kings” (Daniel 2:20–21 NLT).
God is still at work in the world.
“Jesus said to them, ‘My Father is always at his work to this very day, and I too am working’” (John 5:17).
God can bring good out of evil and light out of darkness.
“You, LORD, keep my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light” (Psalm 18:28).
God will judge all wrongdoing and bring justice to the world.
“God says, ‘At the time I have planned, I will bring justice against the wicked’” (Psalm 75:2 NLT).
God will be worshipped by all nations.
“All the nations you have made will come and worship before you, Lord; they will bring glory to your name” (Psalm 86:9).
God calls us to be faithful, courageous, and loving followers of Christ.
“Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong. And do everything with love” (1 Corinthians 16:13–14 NLT).
God calls us to put our ultimate hope and trust in Him.
“It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in humans. It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in princes” (Psalm 118:8–9).
God calls us to pray for our leaders.
“I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people – for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth” (1 Timothy 2:1–4).
God answers our prayers and gives us hope.
“You faithfully answer our prayers with awesome deeds, O God our savior. You are the hope of everyone on earth” (Psalm 65:5 NLT).
God calls us to rescue and care for the vulnerable.
“Give justice to the poor and the orphan; uphold the rights of the oppressed and the destitute. Rescue the poor and helpless; deliver them from the grasp of evil people” (Psalm 82:3–4 NLT).
God does not want us to grow weary of doing good.
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up” (Galatians 6:9).
The times do feel unstable and uncertain. But consider this: God sent His Son into this world – with all its chaos, violence, brokenness, heartache, and division. This is the world Christ came to save. This is the world where God works to renew, restore, and redeem. This world is desperately broken, yet this world has a Savior – Jesus Christ.
“The Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world.”
(1 John 4:14)
Just as Jesus was sent into this world, so are we. After His resurrection and triumph over death, Jesus said to His disciples, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you” (John 20:21). The Lord gives us a peace the world can’t offer and a mission the world desperately needs.
So pray. Call on the Lord to rescue and protect the vulnerable and to change the hearts of the wicked. Ask Him to give wisdom to our leaders, to heal the sick and injured, to strengthen all those helping to alleviate the suffering in this world, and to give us boldness in our witness for Christ.
Check in on your friends and family. Share the hope of Christ with everyone you can. Make disciples and care for the hurting. Find ways to help and support the vulnerable and those in need – in your church, in your neighborhood, and around the world. And rest knowing that God is still in control. Don’t live in fear but live with hope. The Lord can bring good out of evil and light out of darkness. And He will one day end all pain and suffering and make all things new.
“I heard a loud voice from the throne saying,
‘Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man.
He will dwell with them, and they will be his people,
and God himself will be with them as their God.
He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more,
neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore,
for the former things have passed away.”
And he who was seated on the throne said,
“Behold, I am making all things new.”
(Revelation 21:3–5)
Dustin Anderson, Th.M.
Lead Writer, Hope for the Heart
Originally published August 20, 2021
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