A few years ago Krista and I had the joy of celebrating our 25th anniversary in Barbados. Admittedly, we are usually quite understated, maybe negligent, when it comes to commemorating our nuptials, but a quarter of a century is kind of a big deal. The weather was wonderful for most of our time on the island, and we decided to conclude our week with some surfing lessons on one of the world’s most coveted surfing spots.
On the morning of our reservations, the weather had turned ugly. Rain and wind made for choppy conditions, large waves, and an exhausting lesson. However, for those who have never surfed before, the challenge may not be what you think. Standing on a surfboard as it skims across a wave toward the shore, while tricky, is not physically draining. It is exhilarating! It is an adrenaline rush Krista and I wanted to experience again and again … and again. What sapped every ounce of energy from our bodies was paddling against the current and “duck diving” under the waves. Their power threatened to overwhelm us.
In the first five verses of Haggai 2, we are reminded that life is hard. It often threatens to overwhelm us. We find God’s people discouraged by drought, worried about potential troubles with King Darius, and disappointed by the temple’s insignificance. Yet, in the midst of life’s hardship and brokenness, the Lord of the angel armies encouraged His people to “be strong” and to “fear not” (vv. 4-5). How? By reminding them of His certain presence:
“… But now be strong, … Be strong, … Be strong, … For I am with you,” declares the Lord Almighty. “This is what I covenanted with you when you came out of Egypt. And my Spirit remains among you. Do not fear.” (Hag 2:4-5, ESV)
Only God is God and only God is sovereign. He is supreme. He is King.
The Lord Almighty governs over the circumstances that threaten to overwhelm us. It is He who should capture our awe, because life’s ups and downs become less daunting when we are overwhelmed with Him.
Flash back to Barbados. Toward the end of our surfing lesson our shoulders and arms were entirely dead. Krista wanted to catch one more wave, but she had no strength left. So, her instructor simply told her to grab hold of his surfboard leash and he would tow her out – she wouldn’t have to do a thing except cling to the rope that connected his board to his ankle!
Our strength and courage to navigate through a broken world and a hard life are found in the “Lord of the angel armies” – a title used six times in verses 4-9. Without Him, our capacity to overcome life’s cruelty has us floundering. So, tether yourself daily to the Lord of hosts by clinging to His unchanging promises, praying with openness, partnering with other believers, and pondering His great faithfulness.
1 Peter 1:6-7 (ESV) – “In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.”