Turn to God’s words when life gets overwhelming

On Friday evening, April 1, our 8th grade confirmation students attended the annual confirmation banquet. The Elders of the congregation and the parents, grandparents, and other family of those students being confirmed, gathered to celebrate. There was a potluck meal, which, like most potlucks, had an abundance of tasty food. And then the students were examined. In front of the Elders and their families they were asked questions about the lessons from the past year, and they were asked to recite Bible verses, the 10 commandments, the Apostles’ Creed, and the Lord’s Prayer from memory. You can understand that the students were a little nervous. Actually, if most adults were asked those questions, today’s adults might be nervous too.

After the examination, however, we gave those in attendance an opportunity to speak personally to these students. After three years of studying about our Lord and the Bible, these young people would be publicly sharing with others that they believe in Jesus. They would also be promising to serve Him with their lives. As they faced this rite of passage, what might the parents and church leaders have to share?

I have heard a lot of moving personal advice over the years, but this year one parent shared with the students her experience as a Christian in a way that I haven’t heard in previous times of examination. This parent simply quoted a Bible verse, and then explained. She quoted Psalm 46:10: “Be still and know that I am God.” Her personal experience shared with the students is that there are times that life is crazy and overwhelming. But, God is still God. It is worth taking time to be still, to be alone, and to focus on God and His love instead of obsessing about the trials we face.

Wow! Actually, I personally know that verse and have believed that truth. But shared in that moment with those young students who have their whole life in front of them, I was touched by the faith, and the experience, and the wisdom of this advice from a loving Christian mom.

The truth of this verse is important for all children of God. “Be still and know that I am God.” The Lord is indeed God. He is Creator, Ruler, Shepherd, Redeemer, Comforter, and Counselor. God is all-powerful, all wise, all knowing. He is righteous and holy, while being gracious and merciful and compassionate.

When the trials in our life are crazy and overwhelming we can be filled with doubt and fear. But, the One who created us loves us. The One who is our Heavenly Father, sent His only begotten Son from Heaven. Jesus defeated the sin of this world with a life of love and obedience, and by His death on the cross to pay for the sins of all people. Jesus defeated our enemy, death, by rising from death. We are told that God is with us always, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Whether we face personal sin or failure, or trials brought by the world around us, God is still God. And because He IS God, then we can be still. We don’t have to lose hope. We know that the Lord of the universe and our Savior is ruling over all, and is in our lives. So, we can trust our Lord and find peace in His presence.

I think mom had been talking with her daughter. The verse the daughter used to share her faith with our congregation on Confirmation Day was from 1 Corinthians 14:33: “For God is not a God of disorder, but a God of peace.” That sounds sort of familiar, doesn’t it?

Yes, there are times that life is crazy and overwhelming. But, God is still God. So the advice of Psalm 46, and the advice of this mother, is helpful and wise. God tells us, “Be still and know that I am God.”

Jonathan Rockey is pastor at St. John Lutheran Church in Palmer.