I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve heard a comment, lately, along the lines, “We live in such an uncertain world.” Of course, such a comment can mean various things in various settings. But the way I am hearing it of late it means something like, “Well, we didn’t see that coming”, or, “I feel helpless/powerless in these circumstances”, or, “Is there any way out of this mess?” Of course, lately, this kind of feeling has been exacerbated by pretty significant global events – like the brutal and unprovoked attack on the people of Ukraine – which raise our collective angst and create much uncertainty, especially when evil seems to advance ferociously unchecked. Then there is the stuff that portends more conflict with the exercise of military and imperial expansionism. I’m sure you’ve heard and felt similarly at times of late ...
Little seems certain anymore on so many levels … we’re all affected by it in some way in our daily lives in the wake of the COVID mess as we try to adjust and adapt to new realities.
So, is anything certain these days? Anything at all?
For me, the person and character of God is the most certain thing there is. He is the Ancient of Days, the Rock of my salvation, my Creator and king of the universe – and He does not change … and neither can He be forced to change.
Hebrews 13:8 (NIV)
“[He] is the same yesterday and today and forever.”
That’s certainty and, therefore, hope …
When we focus on the eternal person and character of God – and His holiness - we come to some other important conclusions, as well. Such as the will of God. There is a will of God – and it cannot be thwarted or rendered irrelevant. Not ever. Not by anyone or anything. If there is a will of God, life has a purpose, too – a certain purpose. One of our goals is to discover that unique purpose and live in it. We are not random blips on the radar screen of the universe that comes and then is gone with nary a murmur – without rhyme or reason. Not even a sparrow falls to the ground unnoticed by God, according to Jesus. Randomness is not the will of God. Someone once said, and I agree, that life is not some random thing that just happens any old way. And I reckon that’s because there is a will of God. If there is a will of God, can it ever be known? Personally? I think so! The Bible says that we human beings can definitely know God’s will …
Romans 12:2 (NIV)
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—His good, pleasing and perfect will.”
So yes, the will of God can be known. Are there other life certainties? Yes. The desire to please God, pleases God. How do I know that? The apostle Paul wrote this way back in the first century …
Romans 8:28 (NIV)
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him,
who have been called according to His purpose.”
There it is. We can know a stronger and deeper sense of certainty in these uncertain days when we love God with our whole lives, and desire to be devotedly committed to His will and purposes. This pleases Him. And so, He works ALL THINGS for the good of all those who love Him and who are called according to His will. Even bad and uncertain-looking things!
In a world filled with uncertainties and with an increasing level of unpredictability – that can feel very left field, random and overwhelming these days– there is absolute certainty for those who wish to lay hold of it. That certainty is a loving, merciful and faithful God who is still in charge of the universe despite the evil humans do, and despite how big and how unfettered that evil seems to be at times.
How does this certainty come into our lives?
Colossians 3:1-2 (NIV)
1 “Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.
2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.”
There is no uncertainty in Him who is seated at the right hand of God. Set your heart and mind on Him who is the Alpha and Omega …
Revelation 21:6
He [Jesus] said to me: "It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To the thirsty I will give water without cost from the spring of the water of life.”
There is no uncertainty in Christ - just hope and other certainties. So, focus there. Not on the chaos of this world.
You are loved – so very much.
Ps Milton