Today the nation remembers one of the darkest days in American history, we will never forget 911. There are ceremonies around the country to remember the lives lost at the World Trade Center and on the planes carrying hundreds of unknowing victims.
Over two decades later there are still high terror alerts over what may or may not happen on the anniversary of 9/11. People are either unhappy because of their loss or fearful because of the dangers of the world we live in. The 911 Memorial reminds us that we live in a fallen world (Romans 6:10-12.)
- Corrupt
- Violent
- Selfish
Most of us can remember where we were when we heard the tragic news of what happened on September 11, 2001. It is a tragedy that our nation and democracy will never forget. remember the fear.
We can still remember the shock and the rawness of the pain the families of the victims experienced. We also remember the camaraderie we experienced as the nation came together to fight against the evil that attacked our freedoms.
Even this morning, both presidential candidates met and shook hands at the 9/11 ceremonies in New York, less than 24 hours after their first presidential debate. They both know our focus and concerns should be on the country, instead of politics today, we already have enough to be anxious about.
What is Anxious?
Let’s face it, it is becoming more and more clear that we live in a corrupt world. It’s no wonder so many people are anxious and worried about the future. Anxious is defined as, “Extreme uneasiness of mind or brooding fear about some contingency: worried.”
When Adam and Eve chose to know good and evil, sin and fear entered the world (Genesis 3:6-11.) God promised to take care of us and he tells us not to be anxious about the concerns of this life (Isaiah 41:10, Romans 8:28, 2 Corinthians 6:19-20, Philippians 4:6-7, 1 Peter 5:7.)
In the days of the early church, the ancient world was dark and the apostles reminded the early church about their Jewish education on being anxious.
Dᵊ’āḡâ
The Old Testament gives us the imagery of God’s people be helpless sheep traveling through the evil ancient world. Like little children, there was a lot to be anxious about and downright scared of in the world.
The Hebrew word for anxious in the Old Testament is dᵊ’āḡâ and it can also mean, “Fear, heaviness, care or sorrow,” depending on the context it was used in. God’s people have a lot to be anxious about.
Each of the Old Testament names of God reveals His caring and loving nature. They remind God’s people of God’s promises to them and what He will do for them.
- Shelter
- Feed
- Protect
- Provide
- Guide
- Give rest
By the time Jesus the Messiah arrived, Rome had pretty much conquered and terrorized the ancient world. Israel was under Roman control and God’s people were desperate for a Savior.
Rome feared the Messiah and sought to destroy our Savior (Matthew 2:1-12.) Even Jesus wasn’t safe in this world. Yet He comforted His followers and told them not to be anxious (Matthew 6:25-27.)
Jesus reminded His followers that God already knows what we need before we go to Him in prayer (Matthew 6:8, 1 Thessalonians 5:17.) He reminded God’s people how God takes care of the creation better than He did King Solomon (Matthew 6:29.)
Jesus taught His followers to build their homes and lives on the rock that could withstand the storms of this life (Matthew 7:24-27.) We don’t need to worry about the storms of this dark world.
Hurricane Francine
As I write this hurricane Francine is barreling toward the Louisiana coast and many people are concerned about the path of Hurricane Francine. People are anxious as they listen to the Hurricane Francine updates because they know the destruction that comes with these terrible storms.
There will be destruction and chaos from Louisiana up to the northeast throughout the rest of this week. Millions of people are worrying about what may or may not happen (Matthew 6:34.) No one knows the future except for God. We need to learn to trust God more than ourselves or weathermen because only God is in control.
- Sovereign
- Omnipotent
- Omnipresent
For over two decades, people have asked where was God on 9/11 and why didn’t He stop it. I can assure you God was there on 9/11 at the WTC and God could have stopped it if He wanted to.
We serve an everlasting and Almighty God Who is in control even though this world seems out of control. We don’t need to worry about the storms of this life, who won a debate last night, or who will be our next president because God is in control and He knows best, let me know what you think in the comments below. Whatever happens, is His will, so there is no need to be dᵊ’āḡâ!
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