Ps 118:6 – The LORD is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me?
There is a lot of worry and concern today amongst Christians because of the current political landscape, social unrest and the tumultuous state of world events. It is clear that evil is on the move and is increasing, just as scripture confirms it would as we move towards the end of days. But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived. (2 Tim 3:13).
As this progresses, Christians are naturally concerned about the potentially negative effects that it could have on our faith and practice as believers. We have had such a long run of relatively complete freedom to gather and practice our faith and moral convictions as we see fit, that it’s hard to comprehend anything differently and how we should respond if external worldly forces would seek to curtail that freedom. So we nervously watch and hold out hope that somehow the rising tide of corruption and cultural wickedness can be held back enough to allow us to worship freely and not disrupt our walk with God.
But the truth is, there is NO external force that is able to disrupt or negatively affect our relationship and walk with the Lord unless we allow it to do so. As it states in Ps 118:6 – The LORD is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me?
This does not mean that the Lord will prevent men from moving against us to try and silence us or disrupt our freedom to worship freely, that very well may, and in many cases already does happen. It simply means that the enemy’s goal of using that to try and diminish our faith or the vibrancy of our personal relationship and walk with the Lord cannot succeed, unless we allow it to do so. Our relationship with the Lord is not dependent on men and therefore cannot be hindered by men, no matter what they may do. In fact, if we face persecution properly and keep our eyes firmly fixed upon the Lord, as we really should always do, then trial and tribulations will actually have a net positive effect in building our faith and endurance. James 1:2-4 – Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. There are some aspects of our spiritual growth that only come through trial, tribulations and testing, so really we should welcome the opportunity.
In Rom 8:28 it states: And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
That can be a difficult concept to grasp, especially if we have been too focused on our temporal circumstances and comforts rather than daily seeking the kingdom of God, His righteousness, and the things above. If anyone had a reason to doubt this promise based on temporal circumstances, it would be the one who penned this verse, the Apostle Paul, yet he was able to declare this truth because he knew how to face any trials or hardships, but maintain a joyful faith and confidence in God.
As it becomes ever more clear that we cannot place our hope in mankind “getting better” it should remind us to refocus our sights on the “things which are above” as instructed in Colossians chapter 3:
Col 3:1-4 – If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.