In this Advent season, we look forward to celebrating the birth of our Savior and the second advent—the return of Christ. We as Christians also strive to live godly lives, and part of living a godly life is putting our absolute trust in Him in all His ways. Can we pass on our trust and godly living to our children and grandchildren?

My oldest son was vacationing with friends this past summer at a California beach. He noticed his friend wouldn’t allow his kids in the water. Our son asked him, “Why won’t you let your kids in the water?” His friend said, “Because I don’t know what’s out there.” Our 9-year-old granddaughter, Annabel, witnessed this and later asked her dad, “Are there sharks in the water?” My son said, “There could be.” “Could I get bit?” she asked. “You might,” he said. “And then what?” she asked. “You would die and go to heaven,” he said. Annabel immediately said, “OK,” grabbed her boogie board, and jumped into the water. She knows Christ and trusts her daddy. She knew he wouldn’t have allowed her in the water if there was real danger, but she still felt compelled to ask and then trust. Children naturally look to their dads for assurance. Christians should naturally look to their Heavenly Father for assurance and protection.

Nevertheless, there are real dangers in the world. But as Christians, we aren’t to live in fear, even of death.

Do we, like Annabel, ask similar questions, such as, “Is it safe?” Can I trust that everything is going to be okay? Given the state of affairs in our world, these are honest, sobering questions. Do you wonder if the coming year is safe? We live in turbulent and scary times. This last year, we saw wars break out in the world, rising prices on everything, rioting, looting, demonstrations, and political drama. These were a daily occurrence. Watching the news leaves us unsettled, frightened, and wondering if the coming year will be the same or worse. I wager it could be worse.

Christians have a sure hope. Proverbs 3:5-6 are my favorite go-to verses. They were my first memory verses. I go back to them time and time again, especially when the future looks bleak. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” 

Looking a little closer at this verse. Trust in the Lord is a command. And we are to do it wholeheartedly. If something is done wholeheartedly, it is done without reservation or second-guessing. Trust is the expected response of believers. Sadly, sometimes we say, “I’ll trust God if He comes through with what I want.” Trusting God and the sovereignty of God go hand in hand. Do I trust God’s sovereignty in any given situation? Acknowledging Him means that even if I can’t see what lies ahead, I recognize He has it under control.

Even as Christians, we can quickly lose focus and trust God only as a last resort after exhausting everything else. We’re really proficient and practiced at leaning on our own understanding. If we can control our circumstances and others, we’re golden. It’s only after we’ve come to the end of ourselves that we acknowledge Him, in all honesty, and that could take a while. We are stubborn creatures. This might require some brokenness, a necessary component of our spiritual growth.

He will direct our paths. We may not like the uncertain path he has us on, but when we look back, we will see the painful, necessary journey with better clarity.

So, how does this fit today’s uncertain times? God wants us to trust, lean on, and acknowledge Him. The world desperately needs to see this lived out, especially in these dark times. The light of the world is Jesus Christ, the holy and majestic One who came as a babe to die for the sins of the world. This gives believers a deep assurance and peace that He’s coming back. Even though it looks pretty dangerous out there, He’s still in control. Nothing happens outside His will and purpose. 

As we stand on the shore of a new year, we can’t help but wonder, is it safe? Do we look up to our Heavenly Father with trusting eyes, hold tight to His promises, and plunge into uncertain waters? Or do we stand on the shore and wring our hands?

I can’t help but think we live in an opportune time for the Gospel. Will we be persecuted? Could we lose our jobs, constitutional rights, and the freedom to worship? All strong possibilities.

Something I’ve noticed when visiting other countries where Christians face ongoing persecution is how trusting, resilient, and happy they are. It seems that the harsher the restrictions, the more joyful and purposeful they were with the Gospel. Fear did not plague them; it seemed that their resolve to worship and share the Gospel was a cheerful, fear-free endeavor.

We don’t always know what’s out there or if we’ll get bit and die. I confess that sometimes I wobble in the face of trials, suffering, and the unknown. The “mystery of godliness” includes pain and suffering, but the pain gives way to joy. The good news is we are going to heaven! 

So, what are you waiting for? Jump in. It’s time to share the gospel with those unsaved friends, coworkers, and family. Speak up with truth and love about Who you’re putting your trust and confidence in. Freedoms might slip away, but remember, the Solid Rock on which we stand is our freedom, and that’s a future we can trust.