Rest, Refreshment in Troubled Times

I came home after a long day of ministry, weary. In fact, every day has been long and exhausting considering the times we are all in. As I walked to my front door, my steps heavy and my shoulders slumped due to fatigue, I looked up and was treated to a beautiful sunset. Hues of fiery oranges, deep purples matched with the white snow-covered mountains made for an awesome display. At that moment, I couldn't remember the last time I looked up to watch a sunset as beautiful as this one and I was remarkably touched to the point of tears.

How many sunsets have we missed during this season of tumult? How many instances where we were oblivious of God’s creativity all because our attention was focused elsewhere? Probably too many times to count. I, like many of you, have had my focus on so many other things. Whether it is how to navigate a COVID-19 world, the election, and all the emotions tied to it, or just trying to figure out what’s for dinner, there are so many things that have and currently are demanding our attention. Yet, all the while, God is out there, displaying his glory in creation, reminding us of his presence and continued involvement in our world.

As I am writing this, the inauguration ended a couple of hours ago with very little disruption and fanfare. It was a peaceful transition of power and as the dust settles after one of the most controversial election cycles to date, I, for one, am glad it is over. Not that I accept the unrighteousness that won Joe Biden the Presidency nor am I rejoicing that the radical Leftist politicians occupy the White House bringing with them the most anti-God agenda this country has ever experienced, I am, however, at peace. Indeed, part of the anxiety is not knowing what is going to happen but after this, I know what to expect and will respond accordingly.

The constant not-knowing, and focusing on the “What If’s” has drained and distracted people (including myself) from what God has been doing throughout this whole process. It is Christ, as the Scripture says, who “upholds the universe by the word of his power” (Heb. 1:3) and ordains the times and the seasons of all things, demonstrating his sovereignty. And in his loving sovereignty and his grace, he has given us the beauty of fallen snow, brilliant sunrises and sunsets, and other innumerable examples in Creation that declare the glory of God and his goodness.

Here is my advice for the coming days: Stop watching the news and fretting about the future and go take a walk. Spend some time away from the noise of political fallout and lift your eyes to see a sun just about to set behind the hills. Breathe in the crisp clean air of a winter’s morning and enjoy the grace that God has given you.

Regardless of who is President, if you are reading this at this moment, God has given you more than you or I deserve and he bids you to find rest and peace in Christ. 

Christ is speaking to the weary, burdened soul, “Come to me, all who labor and are heaven laden, and I will give you rest” (Matt. 11:28) and I am praying you hear and take him up on his invitation.