By Ps Tan Hui Ru
Today we begin on-site services again, after going entirely online for Phase 2 (Heightened Alert). Another day, another change in regulations. It feels like there’s no longer any certainty in anything that we do, and it’s been a long time since we were able to make long term plans of any sort. Any plan we make seems to be immediately overturned by events, and don’t even think about travel bubbles to Hong Kong (or to any country, for that matter) – this has begun to feel like some far distant marker of a stability beyond our reach. In such times, fear and anxiety walk alongside us, whether we want them to or not. Is it safe to go out? Is it safe to meet friends? Is it safe to come to church? What if I’m jobless for a long time? What if I can’t learn well in HBL and I have to take national exams?
It feels like we are being thrown from wave to wave by the global storm that we are stuck in. Yet the Bible tells us again and again that we are safe, and we are utterly secure. Psalm 46 reminds us that “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble” (Ps. 46:1). God is with us in our pain, trouble, and confusion. Even through earthquakes and avalanches and roaring waters, God is with us and protects us. “The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress” (Ps. 46:11). Jesus has the power over physical waves and storms (Mark 4:35-39; Matt. 8:23-27; Luke 8:22-25), and Jesus has done everything that is needed to keep us safe in Him. Our hope is secure in Jesus, and it anchors us amid uncertainty (Heb. 6:19a). It allows us to rejoice during trials and difficult situations, to actively place our trust in God to bring us through (Phil. 4:4-7; James 1:2-4).
We are in a maelstrom. But we have hope, a hope that anchors us safe during troubled times, a hope that holds us fast, a hope that we cling to, and which keeps us safe. And so, in the midst of these turbulent times, may I urge you to cast your cares upon God, to bring fear and anxiety, our unwanted companions, to the feet of Christ. “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 4:7).