Letters from the Pastor

Finding Peace in Troubled Times

by | Apr 8, 2025 | Pastor Letters

In times of uncertainty — whether political, economic, or personal — anxiety can weigh heavily on our hearts. The fear of the unknown, the stress of daily struggles, and the unpredictability of the future often feel overwhelming – let’s be real, they are overwhelming. Yet, as believers, we are called to trust in God’s provision and faithfulness. Jesus Himself reminds us in Matthew 6:34: 

“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” 

We are consumed by the worries of tomorrow. Know that you are not the only one who feels this way. But Christ calls us to focus on today, trusting that our Heavenly Father holds all our tomorrows in His hands. The Apostle Paul also encourages us in Philippians 4:6-8: 

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” 

When fear grips our hearts, we are not left without hope. God calls us to cast our burdens upon Him. Psalm 55:22a assures us, “Cast your anxieties on the Lord and He shall sustain you.” The Apostle Peter picks up on this theme in 1 Peter 5:7 and encourages us to “Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.” These verses remind us that our Heavenly Father does not intend for us to carry the weight of our worries alone. 

In the midst of these trying times, I am reminded of a beautiful prayer entitled, “A Thanksgiving Prayer,” written in 1935 by William Massie, featured in Conversations with God: Two Centuries of Prayers by African Americans by James Melvin Washington, Ph.D. (p. 159). Massie’s words reflect the struggle of fear and faith and offer a powerful perspective on how we can approach uncertainty: 

Lord, keep me from all bitterness, I pray. 
In these perplexing days of doubt and strain. 
When courage fails and faith and hope grow dim 
Oh, let me not complain. 

Oh, save me from the ever-haunting fear 
That clutches at my heart with wild demands, 
That chills my love, that paralyzes faith, 
That blinds my eyes to all God’s plans. 

Lord, let me not feel pity for myself 
But go my way with laughter and good cheer; 
With head held high and eye and heart aglow, 
With strength to scorn each tear. 

Let me not feel that I alone must suffer, 
I would not doubt the wisdom of God’s plan; 
The world has ever groaned and sought release 
From pain, since time began. 

So let me face the future unafraid. 
To-day is good: to-morrow taunts with fear. 
To-morrow I shall find but God’s to-day 
To prove anew His presence near. 

These words, penned nearly a century ago, remain deeply relevant today. They remind us that our trials are not unique to our generation. Throughout history, people of faith have faced uncertainty, yet God’s presence has never wavered. Jesus reassures us in Matthew 28:20b: “I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” 

As we navigate the days ahead, let us choose faith over fear. Let us lay our worries at the feet of our Savior, knowing He is faithful to sustain us. And let us encourage one another with the hope that, no matter what comes, God is near

May the peace of Christ guard your hearts and minds in these days and always. 

In His grace, 

Pastor Bob | bob@hrbcrichmond.org | 804.272.2072

2 Comments

  1. Thomas E. Miller, Jr.

    God spoke to BOTH of us!
    In our “Praying Hearts/Our Daily Bread” devotions this morning, The theme was “Forgetting Our Sins, based on (Second) Isa. 43:18-25 “I, even I, am he who blots out your transgressions, for my own sake” (43:25).
    I had the opening prayer, and I prayed:
    “Here we are, Lord — more than half-way through Lent — and I guess it is appropriate to be reminded of our sins. The prophet we call “Second” Isaiah, needed to remind Israel, that God is FORGIVING. So, we pray, this morning, to NOT let the sacrifice of His only Son, to go to WASTE, and everybody say, “AMEN”

    Reply
  2. Nancy Page

    This is just what I needed to hear this week.

    Reply

Leave a Reply to Thomas E. Miller, Jr. Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *