I think we were all glad to see the end of the year 2020 with all of its virus related troubles and political upheaval. However, the start of 2021 has been even more troubling with such political unrest and violence that I have never seen in our country before (not to use the much over-used term “unprecedented”). It is very unsettling or even downright scary to see the way our country is headed. What should Christians do at a time like this?

I am reminded of a recent sermon I heard where we were encouraged to “Be still and know that I am God.” That is what we need to do – be still (or some versions say, “cease striving”), or settle down. Have you ever heard a parent say that to an agitated child? Just settle down. Everything is going to be Okay. That is what God is saying to His children today, “Be still.” Things are pretty bad, but God is still good and He is still in control.

The second part of that verse makes the first part possible. We need to know that He is God—not just a knowing with our minds, but a trusting with our hearts. God wants us to know, “I am still on My throne and I am in control of everything.” I like to come back to the verses from Psalm 29 at times like these: “Jehovah sat as King at the Flood; Yea, Jehovah sitteth as King forever. Jehovah will give strength unto His people; Jehovah will bless His people with peace.” These scriptures give us strength and courage when the world around is in turmoil. A worldwide flood that destroyed all living things except those in the ark was the greatest trouble the earth had ever known, yet God was sitting as King and in control of it all. He is still sitting as King in our day.

We can say along with the sons of Korah in Psalm 46, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will we not fear, thought the earth be removed and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea.”

That is why the Sabbath is so vital to our wellbeing. It is a wonderful opportunity to be still and consider God and His sovereignty. As we do this, we find our spirits calmed and our minds at rest. We can truly rest in God. He is Lord and we are His. Rest in His glorious presence this Sabbath day.