Reflections: Not trusting God is not an option

As I write this, the headlines change daily, or even hourly, regarding the situation in the Middle East. Add to that the almost-daily stories of people taking their frustration out in tragic shootings; the complicated situations as elected officials in some states and cities openly declare stances that contradict America’s founding values; and the fuel prices that haven’t dropped nearly as quickly as they rose, and this column is off to a depressing start, right?   

Oh, yes, and there’s the August 4 election. By the time these musings hit print, local and state primary results will be in the books and several amendments to the Missouri Constitution will have passed or failed. Just in this morning’s email alone, let alone the last several months, I was targeted by newsletters with convincing reasons to vote YES; but in the same batch of email, either people whom I consider personal friends or sincere conservatives wanting the best for the state, propounded logical-sounding reasons to vote NO. 

As always seems coincidental but obviously isn’t, my Bible study in the Minor Prophets with the First5 app has been relevant. The prophet Nahum’s opening oracle starts with a warning to Nineveh that “the Lord takes vengeance on his foes, and reserves wrath for his enemies” (1:2, BSB), assuring the people of both Assyria and the southern Israelite kingdom of Judah that although God is “slow to anger,” He will “by no means leave the guilty unpunished” (v. 3). 

A few verses farther in, the faithful are also reassured that during times of distress, whether from their enemies or the disaster God’s eventual wrath brings, He can still be trusted. 

That seems like reason for anyone who believes the Bible to weigh their actions and motives carefully! I’m the first to admit I don’t know what is the best Middle East policy right now. I do read of faithful Iranian Christians who suffer greatly and would love to see military action against their country’s current regime, even if it creates a risky situation for the civilians. I read of people who are very concerned about policies in left-leaning American cities that could seriously impact their freedom to exercise Constitutional rights. Here in Missouri, I’ve read articles painting both optimistic and pessimistic pictures about the amendments, regardless of which way the vote has gone. I’ve prayed about my own vote, but only time will truly show the outcome. 

One thing I do know, though: Nothing surprises God. And given all the complications, which these thoughts have barely touched on, I’m turning to Nahum’s reassurance: “The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of distress; He cares for those who trust in Him” (1:7). I’m also daily repeating what I call my “life verse,” Psalm 46:10, “Be still, and know that I am God.” 

Along with all the conflicting and/or depressing news, it’s encouraging to read that more and more young adults are turning back to the Bible and reaching out for Christian community. They seem to be figuring out what I’m reminded of daily—that God is God, and I’m not. Not trusting Him is not an option.