But I trust in you, Lord; I say, “You are my God.” My times are in your hands. Psalm 31:14-15.

Sometimes when we look around at the world and circumstances we have no control over, it’s so easy to be overwhelmed. How could any good come out of this? God can seem so far away; a wonderful idea, a bedtime story for children if they are fortunate enough to be told them.

We can read the events in Scripture, like those in 1 Samuel 11 and have the violence of humankind pile up and seem never ending. What kind of person threatens to gouge out the right eye of every man to bring disgrace upon a people (v. 2)? When Saul, their new king, heard of this threat, the Spirit of God came powerfully upon him, and he burned with anger. v. 6. He gathered 330,000 men and they destroyed the Ammonites who threatened the men of Jabesh Gilead. What did the people want then? To kill more people! In their zeal they wanted to kill those who didn’t support Saul as their king when he was chosen before all the people. When will violence ever be too much? But Saul said, “No one will be put to death today, for this day the Lord has rescued Israel.” v. 13.

When we look around at our lives today that are so busy every moment and filled with events distant and with those pressing personally upon us we realize we have no control over, let go. Take a deep breath. Look inward in quiet and ask God to guide you. This wonderful, stressful, uncertain life we have is our life with God. My times are in your hands…I trust in you, Lord…trust Him.

We are created for our times in His hands. Each heart and mind. I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness. Jeremiah 31:3.

In my walk with God, I’m beginning to appreciate how much He cares for my heart and for yours and for every heart. It’s personal. One on one. Isn’t that where and how change is possible and needed? Can you change anyone’s heart? Our journey in this life is with God – one on one. Each one of us will one day stand before Him and it won’t matter which political party we belonged to; which denomination of which major religion we belonged to; which family member loved God; which times we inhabited.

We want to “crucify” those who don’t share our beliefs, some want to kill them. What does God want for us? I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people – for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all peoples to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. 1 Timothy 2:1-4.

It isn’t up to me or you to save the world or anyone in it. But we can pray. We can pray that the light of God’s love will shine into each heart and bring peace that only God can give. I can trust Him and know my times are in His hands for a reason and that reason is because He loves me just as He loves you and every person. There is peace here with Him and hope and especially His love living in me now. He asks me to love others. Show me how, Lord! Help me love others! Help me to embrace and live in this love You have for me and grow in Your truth. When I keep my eyes on Him and know His love within me, I know how beautiful hope is. I pray that for you. Why? So you will understand your times are in His hands and you are safe. You are loved. Our Creator God who loves each of us will right every wrong and every hurt mankind has inflicted. That time is in the future. Today He can help you and love you and comfort you through every uncertainty and bring you peace. He will share His truth and delight in you as your learn from Him. Fall in love with the One who truly loves you. Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him. Psalm 34:8. Be still, and know that I am God. Psalm 46:10. The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Psalm 46:11.