Dark Days

Bible Reading: 2 Kings 6:11-18; Psalm 135:5-6

“Are you reading the comics page, Grandpa?” asked Rowan as he came into the living room. “Or can I have it?”

“You want the comics page?” asked Grandpa, pretending to be surprised. “Are you sure you don’t want to read the front page news?”

Rowan shook his head. “That’s just all bad news. War, earthquakes, crime—all kinds of scary things going on in the world. I’d rather read the comics.”

“I guess that’s understandable,” said Grandpa. “Things do look pretty bleak in this sinful world, but we need to remember that God is still in control. Jesus is coming back one day, and when He does, He’s going to destroy Satan and sin forever, and the world will no longer be a scary place. Instead, He will make it new and beautiful.”

“Yeah, I know,” said Rowan, “but Satan seems pretty powerful to me!”

“Satan is powerful,” agreed Grandpa, “but not as powerful as God. Do you remember the story of the prophet Elisha’s servant?”

“I think so,” Rowan said. “You mean the time a whole bunch of soldiers were about to attack Elisha, and his servant was so scared?”

“That’s the one,” said Grandpa. “The servant was really frightened—until God opened his eyes so he could see the large number of angels God had sent to guard them.”

“I remember,” said Rowan. “The servant was sure all those soldiers would overpower them, but like you said, God was in control.”

“Right,” said Grandpa. “Sometimes we can be like that servant. When we see all the scary, evil things happening around us, it can seem like the world is out of control and that there’s no hope. But God is always in control, and nothing happens unless He permits it. When things look dark to you, remember that Jesus will make everything right one day, and because He’s always with us, we don’t need to be afraid. We can trust Him no matter what happens.”

“Okay, Grandpa,” said Rowan. He grinned. “Now, can I have those comics, please?” Sherry L. Kuyt

How About You?

Do things like hunger, disease, and crime upset you? Do reports of wars, floods, and earthquakes make you worry about the future? You shouldn’t close your eyes to the problems in the world, but you should also open your eyes to the power and promises of Jesus. He won’t ever leave you alone in this scary world. He’s still in control, and His victory is certain.

Today’s Key Verse:
Psalm 135:6 The Lord does whatever pleases him, in the heavens and on the earth, in the seas and all their depths. (NIV)

Today’s Key Thought:

God controls the future