We are often disturbed with the turmoil that swirls around us in our world. Nations squabble and threaten each other over economic and security issues; National leaders seem preoccupied with satisfying the demands of various interest groups and often neglect more important matters; The military might of various countries stand ready to strike if imaginary lines are crossed. We worry that peace may merely be a fragile arrangement.

We must not forget that God is still in control and Jesus Christ still sits on the throne. “All things have been created by him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together” (Col.1:16b-17). Speaking of nations, God said He has “determined their appointed times, and the boundaries of their habitation” (Acts 17:26). World leaders may often seem erratic and foolish, but God has his steadying hand in all affairs.   

To that end, God has always promised His people that He is watching out for their welfare. God said to a crumbling nation, “At that time, declares the Lord, I will be the God of all the families of Israel and they shall be my people” (Jeremiah 31:1). He would not forget them in them in the miseries they were bringing upon themselves. Pulling this scripture out of the Old Testament, the Lord said through Paul to the New Testament church, “For we are the temple of the living God; just as God said, ‘I will dwell in them and walk among them; and I will be their God and they shall be my people…And I will be a father to you, and you shall be sons and daughters to me’, says the Lord almighty” (2 Cor.6:16b-18).

God’s temple is no longer a physical building in the Middle East. He lives within Christians and we become a living temple in this world. God cares for us every day, no matter what is going on in the world. We have no real need to fear the manoeuvrings of men in power. We have every reason to be confident that God has our best interest in mind.

Never forget that God lives in his temple – and that means you!

– Tim Johnson