Hope in the coming storm

[Susan Adair-Shankle]

David gives us a clear picture of Jesus’ attitude in the face of the coming
storm. He speaks prophetically of Christ, saying, “I foresaw the Lord always
before my face, for he is on my right hand, that I should not be moved” (Acts
2:25). The literal meaning here is, “I was always in his presence, beholding
his face.” David quoted Jesus as saying, “Therefore did my heart rejoice,
and my tongue was glad; moreover also my flesh shall rest in hope” (2:26).

Here is the secret: Jesus kept the Father always before his face! Jesus
continually sought out secret places to be shut in with his Father. And it was
only after being in God’s presence that Christ came forth to minister, fully
persuaded that his Father was always with him. “He’s at my right hand—and
nothing on this earth can move me.” The Greek word for move here means
“agitated or shaken, disturbed.” Jesus was saying, “None of these
problems, evils or coming events can cast me down or shake my confidence. My
Father is in complete control.”

Beloved, if we’re going to face the coming storm, then we need to be prepared
so nothing disturbs our spirit. And the only way to do that is to spend time in
the Father’s presence beholding his face. We have to be shut in with him—on
our knees, practicing his presence, seeking him—until we’re thoroughly
persuaded he’s at our right hand.

God is clearly telling us, “Don’t be moved or agitated by anything you see.
Keep your eyes focused on me and you’ll retain your joy.” And, according to
David, Jesus testified, “Thou shalt make me full of joy with thy
countenance” (Acts 2:28).

It’s as if Christ is telling us, “I faced everything you’re going to face
in the closing days of time. I had the same foreboding feelings, because I saw
the coming storm. But I ran into the presence of my Father, and he lifted all
my concerns. He showed me the outcome to it all. And in his presence I found
all the joy, hope and rest I would ever need—to the very end. I have peace
and joy because I’ve been with him.”

“My flesh shall rest in hope” (2:26).