In times of chaos
There has been much change in recent times, none as poignant as the passing of Queen Elizabeth. A new Prime minister was appointed last week, to the relief of many, but the Queen’s death struck a nerve deeper than some may have anticipated. As explained in the coinage ‘you never know what you have until it’s gone’, the Queen provided stability and assurance- qualities scarcely shown in recent times.
Much has been said about the turmoil experienced, the palpable tension, the weighty grief across the nations since the onset of COVID-19 in 2020. There has been a collective search for the new norm; the ‘global reset’ initiated, yet as mankind’s aura of invincibility has been stripped away and all have been humbled by the realities of life, peace has been a prized commodity.
The boring traits the world seems to have looked over and minimised: dependability, consistency, honesty, integrity- these much-often pitied virtues are what we are in desperate need of. I dare to say that few in this time are looking for excitement or unpredictability. Few are seeking to be thrilled or surprised- all we want is stability. Maybe a year or two absent of pandemics, leadership changes or scandals would be ideal, but now more than ever we need to live beyond the disorder and function within the chaos.
How do we do that?
1. “Do not put your trust in princes, in human beings, who cannot save.”- Psalms 146:3 NIV
Whilst this does not mean we become hostile towards government or non-compliant to their regulations, we recognise that they cannot satisfy our souls or rescue us. Better yet, they may incorporate schemes that take us in a direction we do not necessarily agree with, however it is in these moments where the basic principles of the faith should shine through. This is where endurance, patience, longsuffering and joy stand the test of time.
2. Stand on the promises of God, seek out his security
I think of the 3 days between Jesus’ death and resurrection. There was a lot of instability and confusion, even for those who were aware of Christ’s impending death. But there were a few who amidst the confusion continued to seek out the one who brought them most certainty, namely Jesus. Mary Magdalene was notorious for her devout faith in Jesus. During his life she had tension with her sister Martha on one occasion where she abdicated her hosting duties to sit at his feet and listen to his word (Luke 10:39-42). She was told to have chosen the good portion, the portion which would not be taken away from her, which was the message of God. This message she did indeed keep, as after Jesus died she was sitting at the tomb with the other Mary, ever willing to be in and around his presence even in the grave. They then went to see the tomb again a day or so later, the reason for which was not disclosed, and they found an angel waiting for them, who confirmed the message that they were once told. Jesus was resurrected, he was no longer in the grave- what he had said had come to past and his message was true. When they met later on, she was again at his feet worshiping him. There are many inferences about the type of faith she showed: for example the action of waiting near his tomb as a sign of her belief in his resurrection, but one thing she did was maintain faith when others ran away flummoxed.
Overall, as we have entered into this period of national mourning, let us reflect on the legacy of the Queen and pay her the due respect she deserves, and let us also take heart that where her exit may leave a sizeable gap in the monarchy there is One whose throne is eternal.