“For he views the ends of the earth and sees everything under the heavens.” (Job 28:24)

I usually do a lot of contemplating as I go to and from work everyday. Maybe it’s because when I’m in the car by myself, it’s easier for my mind to sift through a number of things at once without much effort.

So that’s where I was a few days ago, driving and thinking about some of the chaos that we’re seeing in the world today. Struggling to make sense of the horrific images we’ve been seeing, of war torn countries, hurt and grieving people, and more questions than there are answers. The tension is almost palpable as you watch and listen to what’s going on around you; and you hold out hope for a resolution that’s not likely to come any time soon.

In the quiet of my car, I found myself asking “God where are you?” I wasn’t actually waiting for an answer, because I already knew where He was; where He’s always been. On the throne, and in control of all things. But at that moment, I couldn’t feel Him. It’s like I’d allowed the hopelessness to blanket the knowledge and assurance that our Heavenly Father is in control of all things, no matter how chaotic they might seem to us. No matter what we see with our eyes in the physical realm.

The Bible story came to mind then, of the disciples who were out at sea and ran into a storm that threatened to overturn their boat. No doubt they too felt that same hopelessness when, in spite of their strenuous efforts, they were about to perish in a cold and watery grave. “Master,” they cried out. “Carest thou not that we perish?” (Mark 4:38) The NIV version says “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?” They could not fathom how Jesus could be sleeping at a time like this. Didn’t He care what happened to them? Whether they lived or died?

What I like most about this story is Jesus’ response to the situation. Even after the disciples woke Him up, He remained calm. They were probably thinking that, once He realized what was happening, the panic would set in and He’d begin running around the boat like they were. But that wasn’t the case. Even though Jesus was hearing the same howling winds that they were, and seeing the same billowing waves, He remained calm and steadfast, commanding them instead to be still.

You might say, well that’s Jesus, you can’t expect us to respond the same way He did. Actually, yeah we should. Because if God is in control of all things, and He’s supposed to be the Lord of our lives, yes, our response should be the same: seeing the problem before us, but also having peace and calm in the midst of it. Believing that everything will work out the way it’s supposed to. “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28) KJV

Rest assured brethren, God has not forgotten us. He hasn’t forgotten this world that He created. No, He’s in the midst of the chaos that plagues it right now. And even though we cannot see what’s going on behind the scenes, we know according to His Word, that He will never leave nor forsake us. “The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” (Deuteronomy 31:8) NIV He didn’t forsake Daniel in the lion’s den; He walked beside Shadrach, Meshac and Abednego in the fiery furnace; He remembered Joseph in that Egyptian prison and He was there with the children of Israel as they faced the looming Red Sea. All throughout Scripture we’ve seen the Lord time and again keep, rescue, comfort and deliver those who placed their trust and confidence in Him, and He’ll do the same for us as well if we don’t lose hope.