In this chaotic world that seems to be spinning out of control, it can sometimes be difficult to focus our attention on what is truly important. We may feel overwhelmed by the pressures and problems we are facing, but as Christians, there’s something more we should be looking for: an opportunity for us to glorify God and make a difference in the lives around us. As believers in Jesus Christ, we can take comfort knowing that He is still sovereignly working all things together for His glory and our good (Romans 8:28). The question then becomes how will we respond to these turbulent times? By taking a step back and viewing the Lord’s work through eyes of faith, backed up with an unwavering trust in Him regardless of circumstances — thus seeing what needs to be seen in chaotic times!
The Prophet Joel was given a divine word from the Lord for the people of Israel at a particular time in history. Joel found himself mourning with the people after a devastating locust invasion obliterated their crops and stripped the land of its bounty. In addition, because it was an agricultural economy, the people experienced a disastrous financial and cultural blow. Joel warned the people to take into account both the physical and spiritual consequences of their locust invasion. “Hear this, you elders, and give ear, all you inhabitants of the land! Has anything like this happened in your days, or even in the days of your fathers? Tell your children about it, let your children tell their children, And their children another generation.” (Joel 1:2-3)
LOOK UP! NOT OUT
How often do we pay attention to the devastation taking place around us? How often do we turn on the news and witness disaster yet shrug it off with “thoughts and prayers” to those affected? As followers of God, we need to ensure our mindset is not blurred and view these events with spiritual insight. Just as the Lord’s judgment fell on the Israelites who turned a blind eye with their hearts, we must be vigilant not to do the same.
Joel warned the people to see what needed to be seen. To realize that the devastation of their land and crops was more than just a stint of bad luck. It was God’s judgment. Joel then furthers the tension with his portrayal of the locusts’ devastating power. “What the chewing locust left, the swarming locust has eaten; What the swarming locusts left, the crawling locusts have eaten; and what the crawling locust left, the consuming locust has eaten.” (Joel 1:4) In other words, God’s judgement was thorough and complete.
Today we see the same escalation of destruction. We have witnessed a dramatic rise in disasters such as wildfires, earthquakes, hurricanes, and floods. In addition, the COVID-19 pandemic has killed over 6 million people since 2019 and still affects us today. At the same time, wars, hatred, and violence threaten to push humanity to its breaking point.
SHARPEN YOUR SPIRITUAL VISION
A camera lens redirects multiple light rays to a single point to create a sharp image. We must look through the lens of God’s Word to gain clarity and understanding in Christ for these uncertain times.
Jesus spoke about the end of the age and signs of the times in the book of Matthew 24:3-8, “Now as He sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, saying, “Tell us, when will these things be? And what will be the sign of Your coming and the end of the age?” “And Jesus answered and said to them: “Take heed that no one deceives you. For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many. And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famine, pestilence, and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of sorrows.”
Jesus gave his disciples a panoramic view of what will happen before his return. Paul, however, provides an eye-level view of sinful attitudes and behaviors at the end of the age. “But know this, that in the last days, perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!” (2 Timothy 3:1-5)
SEEING THROUGH SCRIPTURE
By this point, you’re thinking, “This is happening now.” And indeed, it is. So, what can we do to keep our spiritual lens focused on Christ? First, we stay rooted and grounded in Christ through his word. Ephesians 5:15-17 says, “Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.”
Second, we must dedicate time to God, praying, studying His Word, and assembling with fellow believers to remain strong in the midst of chaos. Hebrews 12:25-26 says, “See to it that you do not refuse him who speaks. If they did not escape when they refused him who warned them on earth, how much less will we, if we turn away from him who warns us from heaven? At that time his voice shook the earth, but now he has promised, “Once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heavens.” We must heed the warnings of God, who speaks from both heaven and earth. We can expect to suffer the same consequences if we ignore God’s warnings.
Third, we can keep our spiritual lens focused on Christ by living a life of service and sacrifice. This means being conscious of our actions and striving to be selfless in all we do. Service could include volunteering at a local soup kitchen or homeless shelter, visiting the elderly in a nursing home, or helping out a neighbor with yard work or errands. Sacrifice could involve forgoing something for someone else’s benefit, such as giving up an opportunity for them.
SHARE THE GOOD NEWS
Just as the Prophet Joel testified to the people to look up and see God, we must do the same. I once heard a pastor say If you only show your faith on Sunday, then you’ve missed the whole point! Every believer who interacts with other people has a chance to give a testimony. It’s what you do with that opportunity that counts. You don’t need to be a Bible scholar to give a powerful testimony; all you need is an open heart and a desire to share your faith. So, as we continue to see chaos throughout the world, let us hold on to the words spoken by Jesus in John 16:33, “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world, you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” If this reading at His Spoken Word has blessed you, please comment below.
