With a heavy heart, I walked to my backyard and sat down in my chair to have my Quiet Time. The last two days had been difficult.

Charlie Kirk, a firebrand activist and conservative figure, had been shot dead in broad daylight on September 10^th while speaking at an event on a university campus in Utah. His death was a stain on our democracy as he had been killed for his views. Americans were appalled by the tragedy. That same day, there had been a school shooting in Colorado. The next day, the nation remembered those who lost their lives in the terrorist attack of 9/11.

It felt as if grief had wrapped itself around us. But it wasn’t just grief. Kirk’s death sparked online commotion across the country, causing divisions in an already polarized society. What was happening in our country?  How could we make sense of the confusion and loss?

As I opened my Bible on the morning of September 12^th, I found myself mourning for my country and fellow citizens. Frustrated, angry, and hopeless, I turned the page to the reading of the day—Revelation 4.

The vision

The apostle John’s vision of the throne room in heaven is fantastic, breathtaking, and mysterious. Flashes of lightning and peals of thunder emanate from the throne. The One who sits on it appears radiant and brilliant. The throne is surrounded by 24 elders, with four heavenly creatures on each side. These unusual living beings with multiple wings and eyes worship the Lord God Almighty without ceasing, and when they praise and glorify God, the 24 elders fall down in worship, casting their crowns before the throne.

The most important and central aspect of the apostle’s vision is that of the Almighty, Eternal God, seated on His throne. He is King not only in heaven but also on earth, here and now. He has been, is, and will be in control of everything everywhere throughout eternity. He is sovereign over the rulers of the earth and over our governments. And His reign is holy. His justice is holy. His love is holy.

John’s vision shifted my gaze toward the throne of God. Yes, the current situation is bleak and dark. Turmoil, despair, and fear seem to be pervasive. But I must remember that my heavenly Father sits on the throne. I may not fully comprehend it, but I must believe that He is firmly in control over the events that are taking place in my country.

An opportunity to trust

Tough times like these can overwhelm and worry us, but they also offer an opportunity to trust in God’s greatness and supremacy.  We can’t turn to earthly leaders to bring things under control, resolve problems, or help us make sense of the chaos. They can only do what is humanly possible to respond to events. Their powers and capabilities are limited, and even the best of them can falter and fail us. No matter how good or great they may be, they cannot guarantee stability and security.

But God is not like them. God is all-wise, all-knowing, and all-powerful. He has no rivals, no equals. No calamity or tragedy is news to Him. He knows and holds our future in His hands. We can rest secure in Him. The original audience of the book of Revelation who were facing terrible persecution and suffering must have found great comfort in the truth that God is in control and His purposes will prevail. We too can be comforted by clinging to this eternal and powerful truth.

An opportunity to worship

As I wrapped up my study and journaling session, I surrendered my tangled emotions to God in prayer. I thanked Him for renewing my vision of His sovereignty. I also thanked Him for refreshing my understanding of worship which was the main activity in heaven and should be at the center of all I do here on earth.

God our Creator and King is worthy of all praise, glory, honor, thanks, and power. Challenging situations provide an opportunity to deepen our worship. To humbly acknowledge our helplessness and pride and throw ourselves at His feet. We can approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, casting our worries and needs and unanswered questions on Him.

It may be easy to put our faith in God and praise Him during good times. But it is especially hard to hold on to truths about God when we face difficult circumstances. Especially at this time, when we are struggling to make sense of the incidents taking place in our country, we need the Holy Spirit to help us respond rightly. We can choose not to give in to anger and bitterness. We can decide not to take sides or vilify others. Rather, we can rely on the Holy Spirit to lift our sights up and remind us that God is enthroned and exalted in heaven.

Let’s put our trust in God. Let’s offer Him a wholehearted sacrifice of praise and worship. Because only He is worthy.

For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. Colossians 1:16-17 (NIV)

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