Who Do You Trust in Times of Worry and Fear?

Today, many are very concerned and confused about our future. One of the famous quotes by Donald Rumsfeld, who was the Secretary of Defense under Presidents Gerald Ford and President George W. Bush, said, “As we know, there are known knowns—things we know we know. We also know there are known unknowns—things we know we don’t know. But there are also unknown unknowns—things we don’t know we don’t know.”

Now that statement is enough to create a mind-bender for anyone, but it is the kind of thing many are feeling and thinking. There are many saying, “I just don’t know what to believe anymore.” When there is contradictory news and information all over social media, we become discouraged, afraid, and sense instability. We sometimes feel like there is no solid rock to stand on. We worry because we do not know the future and fear it could be something bad. Yet, the good news is that we can have a relationship with a God who loves us and gives us a foundation.  David writes in the Psalm 18:1-2: I love you, Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.

God is described here as our strength when we feel weak, our rock when our foundation is shaking, our fortress when we need protection, our deliverer when we feel threatened, and a refuge when we need to feel safe.  He is our shield when we feel like fiery arrows are coming our way, our salvation when we trust Him and defender against our foes. What a great description of a relationship with God and why David’s first words of this Psalm are, “I love you, Lord!”

There is a God who loves you and knows your weaknesses, struggles, and your fears. This does not mean that God will take all the problems and hardships away. He would have to take us out of this world for that. He does promise, however, that He will be with us and will walk with us through the trials. He gives to us peace, hope, and strength and His ultimate salvation, which is eternal.

So, when confusion and worry about the future seem heavy and we feel weakened in the battles of life, there is One who we can go to that understands. He will bear our load and give us strength to walk through the trials and temptations of life. Jesus said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

Matthew 11:28-30 (NIV) This may be exactly the way you are feeling right now—weary and burdened. Jesus wants to take your burdens and your weary soul and give you inner joy and strength.

Jesus, who came to this earth, knows all that we face. He knows our struggles and fears. He went through pain and suffering and injustice. He was put on a Roman executioner’s cross. He took all of our sin and rebellion, and He took our place on that cross. He rose from the dead and conquered sin and death. He offers a right relationship to God the Father through Him (Romans 6:23). When we place our faith and trust in Jesus for all that He has done on our behalf, we are given eternal salvation. We are also given His Spirit to live in us to give us the power and strength for each day.  He gives us hope that is not fleeting. This is why we can say along with David, “I love you, Lord, my strength.” When confusion and worry begin to overwhelm, remember we have a Rock and Refuge we can trust.