When Crisis Hits
When we hear of terrorism, corruption, and other crimes, we feel a sense of injustice and outrage. We’re frustrated that wicked men seem to get away with evil. What are we to do when we are in a state of anger or grief? Does God’s Word have anything to say about it?
This is what’s been helping me, so I thought I’d share it here:
“It is better to go to the house of mourning than to go to the house of feasting, for this is the end of all mankind, and the living will lay it to heart.” (Ecclesiastes 7:2 ESV)
What an unusual verse…Let’s try it again:
“It’s better to attend a funeral
than to attend a banquet,
for everyone dies eventually,
and the living will take this to heart.” (Ecclesiastes 7:2 NET)
Such puzzling words. Grief is not a happy thought. We are uncomfortable with sad situations. Sadness is only cute, as that blue girl in the “Inside Out” cartoon; but not in real life.
How in the world, could it be better “to attend a funeral, than to attend a banquet”???
The verses continue:
“Sorrow is better than laughter,
because the heart is made better through trouble.
For the wise person thinks carefully when in mourning,
but fools focus their thoughts on pleasure.” (Ecclesiastes 7: 3-4)
Secret # 1: Crisis can give us a wiser perspective on life.
How can sorrow be better than laughter? It forces us to stop and assess our lives.
We begin thinking: What is the meaning of all this? Do I need to make changes? What happens if I die? Am I living for what really matters?
It awakens our heart to the reality that this life, with all our plans, are temporary. Fools, on the other hand, only focus on “good times’—deceived that they can get away with anything, and are answerable to no one. Pleasures temporarily distract us to focus mainly on this world, while the permanency of death opens our eyes to the reality of the next.
Secret # 2: Crisis reveals where true protection comes from. Spend time with the Lord when you are overwhelmed.
“Be gracious to me, O God, for man tramples on me;
all day long an attacker oppresses me;
my enemies trample on me all day long,
for many attack me proudly.”
These words, written by King David in Psalm 54, could have been written today. They were written by a world leader who was beset by one crisis after another.
“All day long they injure my cause;
all their thoughts are against me for evil.
They stir up strife, they lurk;
they watch my steps, as they have waited for my life.
For their crime will they escape?” (Psalm 54: 5-7)
It’s refreshing how David had such an honest relationship with God. Yes, he was a leader with serious responsibilities, but he was also God’s child. He had a Father he could always run to and air his concerns, especially in times of trouble.
“When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.
In God, whose word I praise,
in God I trust; I shall not be afraid.
What can flesh do to me?” (Psalm 56: 3-4)
Despite David’s courage, military might, and talent, he knew his real strength came from his relationship with the Lord.
“Lead me to the rock
that is higher than I,
for you have been my refuge,
a strong tower against the enemy.” (Psalm 61: 2-3)
Secret #3: Remember who wins. Live in the fear of the Lord, not in the fear of man.
Here’s my acronym for CRISIS: Christ’s Resurrection IS Infinitely Stronger!
Jesus came in the midst of a hate-filled world and suffered a cruel death caused by sin. Yet all the sin in the world could not stop Him from rising from the dead, and overcoming the enemy. When you receive Jesus in your life as your Lord and Savior, that same resurrecting power of Jesus lives inside of you.
Jesus already won the victory for you. His Holy Spirt will enable you to live life with faith and supernatural results, regardless of your situation.
God’s justice will prevail. He is the defender of His people. Death doesn’t provide wicked people an easy escape, there will be payback even after death.
“For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil.” (2 Corinthians 5:10 ESV)
So live wisely. Find your strength in God and the truth of His Word. Let crisis make you firmer in your resolve to live a meaningful life that blesses people and honors Jesus, our Savior.
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might…Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.” (Ephesians 6:10 -13 ESV)
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