Every day I encounter people with a variety of attitudes. Some are cheerful, some are fearful, some are pretty anxious, some are very much at peace. In our world today we don’t have to look very hard to find conflict and turmoil. How do you react to these circumstances? .

Psalm 31:9–16 Be merciful to me, O Lord, for I am in distress; my eyes grow weak with sorrow, my soul and my body with grief. My life is consumed by anguish and my years by groaning; my strength fails because of my affliction, and my bones grow weak. Because of all my enemies, I am the utter contempt of my neighbors; I am a dread to my friends— those who see me on the street flee from me. I am forgotten by them as though I were dead; I have become like broken pottery. For I hear the slander of many; there is terror on every side; they conspire against me and plot to take my life. But I trust in you, O Lord; I say, “You are my God.” My times are in your hands; deliver me from my enemies and from those who pursue me. Let your face shine on your servant; save me in your unfailing love.

The Psalmist speaks of things that are a reality in our lives: distress, sorrow, grief, anguish, affliction and terror. Just because you have faith in Jesus, you are not exempt from these things. In spite of all this, the Psalmist speaks words of trust and confidence. “My times are in your hands.” God is in control and God is with you. In all things, good and bad, God is in control and He is with you.

You have this assurance because He speaks it over and over in His Word. And in His Word made flesh. Jesus came to be one of us to take our place in punishment, earn our forgiveness, and open heaven for us. He did that by dying on a cross and rising again in victory on the the Third Day.

How will you face times of uncertainty, isolation, depression and trouble? I hope you will do so with the mindset that no matter what is going on in your life, God has got you in His hands.

Father, thank you for the assurance that you are still in control. We thank you that we know you have got our situation and us firmly in Your grasp. Give us this conviction, this certainty, that we face the days ahead with the confidence that belongs to those who have been redeemed by Jesus Christ. It is in His name that we pray. Amen.