Where is God in Times of Upheaval?
Not since the sixties have we seen the level of unrest in this country we are currently experiencing. It seems the second horseman of the apocalypse has gone forth to take peace from the earth (Rev. 6:4), and we are witnesses of the upheaval. What is the end of the matter, and where is God in all of this? Joel prophesied in Joel 3:16 and gave us God’s answer:
Joel 3:16 The LORD also shall roar out of Zion, and utter his voice from Jerusalem; and the heavens and the earth shall shake: but the LORD will be the hope of his people, and the strength of the children of Israel.
Notice the wording. “But the Lord…” When we experience shaking and instability, take heart. God is still on His throne, and prayer changes things. He isn’t standing by holding Himself aloof from what is going on. He sees, and He hears. His heart is moved with compassion for His people. He will roar out of Zion and utter His voice from Jerusalem. The question is, where is Zion, and where is Jerusalem? Is this only speaking of affairs in the Middle East? Hebrews 12:22-23 identify Zion and Jerusalem as the church of the Living God:
[Heb 12:22-23 KJV] 22 But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels, 23 To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect,
There is a roar building up in the hearts of God’s people today. The people of God will find their voice, and in them, the Lord will speak, and the very heavens and the earth will shake. As a believer, you are not merely a spectator to all of this but a participator. Don’t mourn and lament the way those out there in the world think you should. Remember that the day of darkness and gloom for the world is as the “morning spread on the mountains” for God’s people:
Joel 2:2 A day of darkness and of gloominess, a day of clouds and of thick darkness, as the morning spread upon the mountains:
Whatever you are going through today, let Joel 3:16 predict your future: “the LORD will be the hope of his people, and the strength of the children of Israel.” Put your trust in God. Help is on the way. Choose to see what God is doing in the day of darkness and not what the enemy is threatening. God’s kingdom is on the increase, and you are the one He is working with to do His good pleasure.
