We are given to worry in this age in which we live. Indeed, there is much to worry about. We can even worry that we won't worry about the right things. We fear that if we do not we will not be ready to face them when they come. It is a fear of being unprepared. There is some sense to due precaution. But at a fundamental level we are exempt from this existential unease. We are actually ready for anything we may face.
But you, brothers and sisters, are not in darkness,
for that day to overtake you like a thief.
For all of you are children of the light
and children of the day.
Unless we turn aside from the path of grace and righteousness there is literally nothing that can overtake us for which we are not prepared. Our destiny is salvation. God has done what is necessary to prepare us for that salvation. It doesn't even matter "whether we are awake or asleep." Jesus died to make us children of the light so that we can live with him forever. So rather than encouraging fear let us build one another up.
Therefore, encourage one another and build one another up,
as indeed you do.
We can have due concern for this present age only when our hope is secure and our faith is firm. Due concern for this age means entrusting the temporal problems we see into the hands of Jesus. We need to surrender our control over transient and temporary things to Jesus. We shouldn't try to play the role of gods ourselves. We aren't up to that challenge and aren't meant to be. That is a risk when we don't see that we already rest secure in the arms of God. When we do see that we realize that we can trust that the words of Jesus will ensure that all things work together for the good of those who love him.
"What is there about his word?
For with authority and power he commands the unclean spirits,
and they come out."
We know that he works in all things for one goal: salvation.
I believe that I shall see the good things of the Lord in the land of the living.
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