When the Twin Towers went down on 9/11, so did America’s take-it-for-granted sense of security
The horror occurred far away from where most of us lived and every bit of it seemed inconceivable. Yet there it was, playing out on whatever screen we were watching. Reality that ushered in a nation-wide epidemic of fear.
Sometimes the terror hits close to home, in our lives or with people we love. Medical test results we prayed never to see. Marriage or relationship problems, whether our own or those of our children. Family unrest. A job that before always felt secure, but now feels shaky.
How do we cope when life feels uncertain? We may feel a gaping emptiness inside and long for comfort, but think we have nowhere to turn. Loved ones may look to us for direction or maybe, practical help.
Sometimes we, too, feel needy and think: I have nothing left to give.
What then? If we care about these individuals we likely do what people have done since the beginning of time. We give anyway.
Take a long look back
Generations before us endured hardships, disasters and personal catastrophes we can’t even imagine. Somehow they dug deep and found reasons to hope and keep going.
I’m guessing they did it mostly by taking their thoughts off what was lost and focusing on what was left.
Those who believed in God, even though they may have been drenched in fear, could speak hope that came from beyond themselves. Hope that rested in the One who promises to be with us, no matter what, no matter where, and to be our strength, even when we have none left within ourselves.
I don’t know about your family, but from what I know of mine, growing up I heard them talk–and later read in several handwritten letters–of how their faith in God was their lifeline. They believed life could still be good because they trusted in Jesus Christ as their Savior,
From that solid foundation they kept on, keepin’ on.
How do we protect our children in this scary world?
We can’t, not really. We can hold their hands so tightly it cuts off their circulation and follow them around like bird dogs, but there’s no way to absolutely ensure they will never hurt, never be disappointed.
We watch over them, of course. We hug them and comfort them and speak the love we feel because nobody ever gets too much love and encouragement. Day after day we speak faith and sound values in ways they understand and can make their own. In all these “small” ways we can help them grow strong from within, equipped to withstand their own future challenges.
Through it all, good times or not-so-good, every day we commit our loved ones to God’s protection, asking Him to watch over them.
How do we model living in faith?
I used to think at some point I would arrive at a more, um, exalted state of being. That I would somehow “graduate” and always be at peace.
Perhaps you’ve wished and prayed for that, too. Let’s face the (humbling) truth: We are human beings. Never-ending announcements of yet another reason to feel uneasy come regularly. That’s the world we live in, yet we need not cringe in fear.
I’ve learned that speaking positive affirmations to myself is a waste of time. What helps me most when the “What ifs” and “If onlys” strike, is to repeat in my mind–or aloud, to myself–Bible verses like these:
God is my refuge and strength, an ever present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the sea. Psalm 46:1
The LORD is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you. Psalm 9:9-10
The LORD gives strength to his people; the LORD blesses his people with peace. Psalm 29:11
Living in the world
You and I can’t stop the evil in the world–and yes, there is evil in the world. It didn’t stop with 9/11–and it won’t. Evil will always keep trying, but in Jesus, the battle is already won. (See John 3:16.)
Our best strategy for survival and for enduring whatever comes is to stay planted in the Lord and keep filling our minds with truths from God’s written Word. Then, when and if people we love turn to us, we have something worthwhile to pass on, such as this verse:
The LORD gives strength to his people; the LORD blesses his people with peace. Psalm 29:11
Whatever the disaster, little or large, when we believe in Jesus Christ we find the strength and stability to get through it and also to speak peace and hope to those around us. All we need to do is ask.
Trusting, always,
Lenore
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