I was once advised by a Christian friend, “If you worry, don’t pray and if you pray, don’t worry.” Anyone who prays about an issue and asks God to take care of it and then continues to worry about it insults our awesome God.
Of course, that’s easy to say, but far more difficult to put into practice. The world is a worrisome place as I write this. We are rightly concerned about the pandemic, although it seems to be easing. Then there is the war in Ukraine, as they defend themselves from a Russian invasion. All of Europe and the free world are concerned. Where will it end? Is this the beginning of another world war in Europe? What if China gets involved? Or North Korea? Or ISIS?
Call me old fashioned (guilty), but I love the old traditional gospel hymns and the lessons they teach and reinforce with each singing. I recently was reminded of this favorite that, at the least, serves as a reminder of who is really in charge.
“This Is My Father’s World” by Maltbie Davenport Babcock (1855-1901) is a comforting cue to
focus on our awesome God and try not to worry. The third stanza of the hymn is particularly appropriate for our time:
This is my Father’s world:
O let me ne’er forget
That though the wrong seems oft so strong,
God is the Ruler yet.
This is my Father’s world:
Why should my heart be sad?
The Lord is king: ’let the heavens ring!
God reigns; let earth be glad!
