So Much Trouble in the World

Reflection

The legendary reggae artist and activist Bob Marley is well known for writing and or performing songs such as “No Woman No Cry,” “I Shot the Sheriff,” “One Love,” and “Three Little Birds.” His music, often termed “conscious music,” provided insight into the political and social climate of the time and called on its listeners not only to think, but to also act. One of his lesser-known albums, Survival, released in 1979, featured a song titled “So Much Trouble in the World”; it was a powerful commentary on the numerous issues the world faced, including war, social and economic inequality, environmental neglect and sharp political and social divisiveness. Sadly, it seems not much has changed since then. 

The news of mass shootings, devastating storms, political violence and war can quickly raise our anxiety levels and chip away at our overall sense of safety and security. How, then, should we, as believers, respond to all the trouble we see in the world today? Let’s look to Scripture to provide guidance and comfort. 

Application

Psalm 46 is often referred to as “Martin Luther’s Psalm”. Luther, the initiator of the Protestant Reformation in the sixteenth century, is said to have often referred to this Psalm in times of trouble. We might do well to do the same today! It reads:

1 God is our refuge and strength, 

A very present help in trouble.

2 Therefore we will not fear, though the

Earth should change

And though the mountains slip into the 

Heart of the sea;

3 Though its waters roar and foam,

Though the mountains quake at its swelling pride.

4 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,

The holy dwelling places of the Most High.

5 God is in the midst of her, she will not be moved;

God will help her when morning dawns. 

-Psalm 46:1-5 NASB 1995

What elements of this verse guide how to respond to the trouble we see in the world?

First, we are reminded that our refuge and strength are in God alone. God is our shelter from the storm, providing the strength to persevere in Him. The second part of verse one reminds us that though the circumstances around us might lead us to believe that God is absent,  He is ever present and actively providing His help. 

Verses two and three use strong language to contrast our response as believers with the daunting circumstances we might face. The language “we will not fear” is not a suggestion. Rather, it is a powerful declaration, especially against the vivid imagery of the world crumbling around us. 

Verses four and five give us hope and remind us of God’s provision and sovereignty. The symbol of a river flowing from the city of God reminds us of God’s grace, mercy and love, while verse five reminds us that even at the “dawning of the morning,” the darkest hour, He who is faithful is with us. 

In the face of the chaos and conflict we see in our world today, I invite you to join the psalmist in declaring that we will not fear because we know that God is not absent from the world. He is active and present. He is sovereign and in control. God is our shelter; even in the darkest hour, He faithfully provides for our needs.

Yours in Christ,

Brad

Please join the Wisdom in a Whisper team in praying for all who were impacted by Hurricane Helene, especially our brothers and sisters in Western North Carolina, who have been left isolated by the storm's destruction.