If you have ever flown on a plane, you’ll recall the instructions given “in the event that the cabin loses pressure, oxygen masks will drop from the ceiling. Put your mask on first before helping others.”
First of all, it always seems a bit strange to me how nonchalant those instructions sound. What they are really saying is, “If something breaks a hole into this plane and all of the air gets sucked out, we hope that the thin plastic oxygen masks will still work. If so, put yours on first so you don’t pass out before you can strap this life-saving gadget onto your face.”
The reason I use that analogy is because in a life or death situation, you are of no help to anyone else if you are not ok. So I ask you. Are you ok? These are trying times. First, we need to make sure we are spiritually and emotionally healthy. Otherwise, we’re no good to anyone else. That’s not being selfish—it’s being realistic.
The prophet Elijah hit the wall of depression after a huge victory and the Lord told him to rest and eat (1 Kings 19:7-8). Over and over again in the Psalms David cried out to the Lord in his depression and despair. Job poured his heart out to God and was as raw and real as you can get.
So how do we stay positive, sane, and laser-focused on our calling during such disruptive times? By turning to God’s prophetic Word.
Here is a small checklist of prophetic reminders of God’s faithful promises that you can review daily—or anytime you need to reboot your perspective after hearing the daily news.
- God will never leave you. (Hebrews 13:5)
- What can mortals do to you? (Hebrews 13:6)
- If God is for you, who can be against you? (Romans 8:31)
- Jesus is with us to the very end of the age. (Matthew 28:20)
- We were put here at this time by God (Psalm 139:13)
- Every day of our lives is sovereignly directed by the Lord. (Psalm 139:16)
- God gives us what we need when we need it. (Philippians 4:19)
- Every struggle will be worth it. (2 Corinthians 4:17)
- The joy of the Lord is our strength as we work. (Nehemiah 8:10)
- Keep the main thing the main thing. (Matthew 28:19)
- God will lead us through unfamiliar territory. (Isaiah 42:16)
- Jesus is with us in the storm. (Matthew 14:25; Mark 4:38)
- Jesus is coming soon and his reward is with him! (Revelation 22:12)
- God is still on the throne. (Psalms 11:4)
I know it is overwhelming at times to watch the conditions of the world, but it is also an extreme privilege!
Check out this passage from 1 Peter that highlights the fact that we are a privileged generation.
Concerning this salvation, the prophets, who spoke of the grace that was to come to you, searched intently and with the greatest care, trying to find out the time and circumstances to which the Spirit of Christ in them was pointing when he predicted the sufferings of the Messiah and the glories that would follow. It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves but you, when they spoke of the things that have now been told you by those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven. Even angels long to look into these things. —1 Peter 1:10-12
I want you to notice a few things.
First, that prophets who wrote much of the Old Testament desperately wanted to understand the timing and the signs (time and circumstances) of the coming of the Messiah.
Second, they specifically wanted to understand the prophecies related to both the sufferings (the cross) and the glories that would follow (the kingdom age).
Third, even angels long to look into these things!
So, when you find yourself feeling overwhelmed with the news of the day, remind yourself that God is still on the throne, that we are a privileged generation, and that even the prophets and angels longed to see what is right in front of us!
This post has been adapted from my book, The Chronological Guide to Bible Prophecy.