Angst.
If I had to choose one word to describe the general feeling of 2020, that’d probably be it. Everyone’s feeling a bit angsty these days.
Apparently, it’s not just a teenage thing.
Angst is nothing new…
Remember the story of the people of Israel escaping Egypt? It started with Moses versus Pharoah’s magicians in an epic battle of plagues…and ended with the people’s ultimate escape through the Red Sea.
What you might not remember is that God’s people got a little angsty before they crossed that sea.
You can read about their angst in Exodus 14:10-12, but all you really need to know right now is this:
When the people of Israel saw Pharoah and his army chasing after them, they went into full panic mode.
They freaked out.
And, they went on a little tantrum where they whined and complained to Moses about how terrible they knew life in the wilderness was going to be.
(So yeah…angst is nothing new.)
Now, Moses could have reacted in lots of different angsty ways himself.
But, he didn’t.
In fact, this is what he said…
“Don’t be afraid. Just stand still and watch the LORD rescue you today. The Egyptians you see today will never be seen again. The LORD himself will fight for you. Just stay calm.” (Exodus 14:13-14)
Now, let’s fast-forward to 2020.
If there was ever a year that we all needed to hear a word like that from God, it’s this one.
We might have different reasons for our angst…our personal health, the economy, online everything, government restrictions, the election, politics in general, fear, family dysfunction, work stress, the “new normal,” and whatever else is causing you angst these days.
And, in the midst of all that angst, God is saying you…
Don’t be afraid.
Be still.
I will rescue you.
I will fight for you.
Just stay calm.
The question is…do you believe Him? Are you trusting Him?
At the heart of a trusting relationship with God is the confidence that He can overcome all of your deepest panics, anxieties, worries, and fears.
So, this week you have a choice to make.
Will you let your angst get the best of you…or will you trust the LORD to help you overcome it?
May these words from Psalm 46 encourage you to “be still, and know” the God who is just as present and powerful in your angst today as He was back in the wilderness with the people of Israel…
Come, see the glorious works of the Lord:
See how he brings destruction upon the world.
He causes wars to end throughout the earth.
He breaks the bow and snaps the spear;
he burns the shields with fire.
“Be still, and know that I am God!
I will be honored by every nation.
I will be honored throughout the world.”
The Lord of Heaven’s Armies is here among us;
the God of Israel is our fortress.
PJ's Monday Musings 