A Word to the Weary

Yesterday, and arguably all of 2025 so far, was very heavy, to put it mildly. I’m not interested in discussing politics - that is not my point here. Regardless of affiliation or allegiance, God is supreme ruler and that is the focus of this message. God himself confirmed that during my devotional time this morning. 

As the chaos of this new year has opened up new chasms of uncertainty, thankfully, I have been able to remind myself that whatever happens in this world should not be my focus. It’s temporary. It’s transitional. And ultimately, it’s truly fleeting. My focus today, and every day throughout this journey should be to serve God and God alone, to live in awe of his mighty power and strength, of his sovereign glory, to raise my children to be warriors for him among the ranks. Beyond that, I am truly powerless. 

This morning’s devotional centered around the following passage from John 14: 

25 “I have spoken these things to you while I am with you. 26 The Companion, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I told you. 27 “Peace I leave with you. My peace I give you. I give to you not as the world gives. Don’t be troubled or afraid. 28 You have heard me tell you, ‘I’m going away and returning to you.’ If you loved me, you would be happy that I am going to the Father, because the Father is greater than me. 29 I have told you before it happens so that when it happens you will believe. 30 I won’t say much more to you because this world’s ruler is coming. He has nothing on me. 31 Rather, he comes so that the world will know that I love the Father and do just as the Father has commanded me. Get up. We’re leaving this place.

The author’s commentary went on to say: The best way to keep the peace God has given us is to keep our eyes on God. How do we do that when we are bombarded with news of a world that seems to be breaking down? We read God’s promises and spend time getting to know the Prince of Peace. We can only put out what we take in, so let’s take God’s word into our hearts.

The reminder that God is the only true giver of peace is one that I think we all most definitely need to be reminded of every single day, especially now. 

But the last few words are what spoke to me undeniably loudly: “Get up. We’re leaving this place.”

In the literal sense, John was ushering the people to leave the location they were at, but for me, this means so much more, metaphorically speaking. The truth of the matter is we all die at the end! We are ALL only given this one life, this one time on earth to do God’s work. I tell my students all the time, “You HAVE to be here - you might as well make the most of it!” The same message is true from God to all of his people: GET UP! Make the most of this lifetime and what you can control and leave the rest to a much more reliable, trustworthy, noble leader: God the Almighty!

Only the Lord knows what the future holds. And the only approach to the unknown is to grow closer to him and him alone. Pray for our leaders, pray for our country, pray for peace. But trust the divinity of God’s sovereignty and join me in reminding yourself of that daily. 

It’s going to be ok. God says so.