Do you feel shaken?

Has this crazy “year of the unexpected” shaken you? I consulted Thesaurus, wondering what words I’d find to amplify the meaning. Surprised. Stunned. Dazed. Upset. Traumatized. Taken aback. That pretty well covers it, don’t you think?

Who could have imagined, when we welcomed this new year, what a wild adventure awaited us? Who would have believed a monster named Covid would travel the world tapping victims right and left, leaving in its wake death, heartbreak, and fear?

We never expected this. We’re still reeling from the reality. We’re overwhelmed…discouraged…anxious. We’re tired of isolation. Tired of taking risks by going out. Tired of doing things differently. Tired of living in terror. Will life ever return to normal? Meanwhile, we take precautions to stay safe while we pray for friends who are battling this dreadful virus.

If that weren’t enough, the political chaos has nearly pushed us over the edge. Today’s the day! Tomorrow, it will be over. Well, probably not. The final count won’t be in for a while. And no matter who wins, we can expect more chaos. News reports tell us the nation is bracing for violence and unrest. Businesses are boarded up. One man commented, “We’re preparing for the worst, hoping for the best.”

Who would’ve thought this would ever happen in America on election day?

Anxiety ambushed my thoughts and toppled me into despondency, wondering what the future will bring. I just don’t know. So I decided to eject myself from that place of despair by focusing on what I do know.

I know God is in control. He isn’t wringing his hands.

I know God has a purpose. Whatever he allows, he will work for good in his broad plan.

I know God will not fail. That hasn’t happened since time began.

I know God will never leave or forsake me. He promised and I can stake my life on it.

In prayer I emptied all my cares on him and replaced them with a song of praise. “The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song” (Psalm 28:7).

“The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song” (Psalm 28:7). Click To Tweet

My praise is my choice—one thing I can control when all else seems out of control.

In this year of the unexpected, I expect the sun will rise tomorrow. I expect the birds will still be singing. I expect the ocean waves will stay within their boundaries. God controls all of that.

David, the giant-slayer who became king of Israel, wrote, “My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress. I will never be shaken” (Psalm 62:1-2).

David, the giant-slayer who became king of Israel, wrote, “My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress. I will never be shaken” (Psalm 62:1-2). Click To Tweet

I will memorize this truth today to remind myself that whatever happens in our chaotic world, God is my rock and my fortress. I will never be shaken!

Please share what God has been teaching you in this year of the unexpected. And I’d be grateful if you’d send this article to your friends.

© Dianne Barker 2020

*  Scriptures from NIV