When Everything Crumbles

If everything goes south, where could we hole up? Off the grid somewhere? Alaska? The mountains? Some unknown Caribbean island? A faraway village in Mongolia?

The news of the day makes us ponder apocalyptic scenarios sometimes. Corruption in various sectors, widespread audacious crimes, political tensions . . . When the goodness in civilization seems to be crumbling, where could we run and hide? And how can we protect our children?

“What can an honest person do
when everything crumbles?”
The LORD is sitting
in his sacred temple
on his throne in heaven.
He knows everything we do
because he sees us all.

Psalm 11:3-4 (CEV)

Feeling that the end is nigh is nothing new. In the words of Psalm 11, David—even during crisis—maintains confidence in God. David ponders where God is: God is in his temple; God is on his throne. David found his confidence in the sovereignty of the great and mighty God!

And how about us? Where do we place our confidence today—especially during times of crisis and despair? Let us learn from David to remember where God lives and what he is doing. David’s reflections reveal that his eyes are fixed on God when all was falling apart. May we, too, fix our eyes on our Savior when things around us seem impossible.

Staying optimistic in this age is difficult when we watch the evening news. But, we can do what David did: look above the fray to the one on the throne. We can hope and trust in God amid our difficulties. Our ultimate hope is not in this life—but in Jesus and all he offers us for eternity. Living out this level of trust will help us become the bravely hopeful parents our children need.

PRAY

Lord, the world can be a scary place. Encourage me by your Spirit. Help me keep my eyes on you. Help me be the brave parent I need to be. Amen.

TIME TO TALK

Conversation starter for kids: (Provides you with questions and prompts to facilitate a time of applicable discussion with children to lead them towards knowing God and His Word more deeply.)

Question(s) What do you think seeing God on his throne will be like? Do you think you will still be fearful when you are with him?

What does it mean to you that God is always with you, even in times of trouble?

Apply: Find encouragement in the fact that Jesus is alive and well and is right near you and your family always. We don’t have to wait to get to heaven to experience his presence!

KEEP IT GOING

Related passages: (These additional verses will help parents expand Scriptural knowledge and place on the armor of God’s Word to tackle each day. Swipe to read the passages today.)

Psalm 11

Revelation 21:5-7