As I write this article, it is Thanksgiving Day 2008. It is hard for me to believe the holiday season is upon us. A new year is right around the corner, and the future is somewhat unclear. These are tough times for a lot of people. I have never sensed so much fear and insecurity about the future.
I thought a lot about people like you today? How are you? Are you one of the many who has watched your income shrivel up? Are you facing a foreclosure? Have you been laid off from your job? Are you nearing retirement only to see your 401 K suffering a TKO (boxing term for a technical knock out)?
I must admit that I have faced fears of my own as I think about the future. Here I am – a man of faith, a so called spiritual leader – but these times have tested my faith as well. I have found myself worrying about the future at times. Then I catch myself worrying, and think – Why?? Why do I worry so much God?
I have come to a realization through it all. I have trusted God for several years now. I have seen God provide for all of my needs in great ways. For some reason though, I have let the unsettled nature of our economy bother me. Something in me has felt so vulnerable watching our country struggle so badly. I have realized that it is because I have put more of my trust and security in the Almighty Dollar than I would like to admit. As Wall Street has shaken, and the banks have shaken, and the real estate market has shaken, and the automobile industry has shaken, I have let myself be shaken. And I imagine that I am not alone. I am sure there are many more of you out there who feel the same. There are a lot of “What ifs?” out there.
So today on Thanksgiving, I am seeking to remember to be thankful. And I really am. God has been so good and kind. I have much to be thankful for. I am seeking to do much more than be thankful though. I am seeking to be faith-filled also. I am trying to remember God’s promises as I face the future, as I help to lead others in facing the future.
So as we come towards the end of 2008 with all of its uncertainty, there is a scripture I want to share with you this Thanksgiving. In the book of Hebrews, the writer speaks of the things that can be shaken – the kingdoms of this world, the things of this world. Then there is a word for Christians – Since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire. (Hebrews 12:28).
The scripture reminds us that everything in this world can be shaken. The kingdoms of this world can be shaken. We, however, have been given a kingdom that cannot be shaken – the kingdom of God. As Christians, we serve a God who can never be dethroned. He is never surprised. He is never worried about the future. Our God is bigger than the economy, bigger than the Almighty Dollar. He is a God who provided manna from heaven for the Israelites. He is a God who fed 5000 with 5 loaves and 2 fish. He is a God who shall show Himself faithful to all of who seek Him.
We are receiving a kingdom that can never be shaken. So be thankful. Worship! Praise Him. Have peace. Have faith. Do not let yourself be shaken. I am truly thankful to be a part of God’s unshakable kingdom. And that’s the Word.
Tags: David Yarborough, st. simons community church, What's the Word?