‘God is our refuge and strength
An ever-present help in times of trouble.
Therefore we will not be afraid, even if the earth is shaken…
“Be still, and know that I am God”, says the LORD,
“I rule supreme among the nations.”
The LORD Almighty is with us.’ (Psalm 46 in the Bible)
Brexit. As I write this I have absolutely no idea what will be the state of play by the time you, dear reader, get to see it.
Will a ‘meaningful’ vote have happened? Will there be a delay? What will be the consequences? Predicting the outcome is way beyond me and, I suspect, you too!
But that doesn’t mean I’ve lost interest. I remain deeply concerned about where this all ends up, and how that will affect people.
The Bible words above affirm that behind and above and in the midst of all this, there is a personal God who cares about every single one of us; cares about our nation and every nation. He’s right here, he’s in charge, and whatever happens, he’s got us.
If that sounds a bit like I reckon I can leave it all to God and crack on with the gardening, then no. The Christian conviction is that we’re responsible for our neighbour; we’re called to be good citizens, working to make society better, peacefully protesting if necessary; in that sense getting involved in politics is an important and honourable calling. Even those not directly engaged are called in the Bible to ‘pray for those in authority, that we might live peaceful lives.’
So I certainly am praying for our politicians, local and national, that they might be led to wise and imaginative decisions, seeking the common good. Are you with me in that?
But underneath it all there’s a conviction that gives me peace and hope: the reds, the blues and the rest are not ultimately in control: God is. And whatever happens, he’s got us.
So I’ll pray, and work, and trust.
‘Be still, and know that I am God.’ Yes.
The Revd Nick Hudson is minister of Wokingham Baptist Church, writing on behalf of Churches Together in Wokingham
