Even Now, Even in This
Encouragement comes in different ways. A few days back this old and iconic song we’ve sung through Sunday School came to mind - “He's got the whole world in his hands…”. And while I was humming it aloud, I was reminded that it points to our almighty God’s dominion and care over the whole world and all life within it. It was the perfect encouragement I needed for the day, while I was witnessing my city in its state of conflict. God allowed me to rest in the truth that my trust and encouragement is from him – his unchanging presence, character and purpose. His sovereignty hasn’t changed; it was the same on 27th February 2026 as it is today, and will remain the same tomorrow!
It’s close to a month of the new normal for us. Although the unbelievable is happening around us, everyone is trying to cope and adapt. In my corporate job, my role in Human Resources required me to be the face of empathy for my colleagues, while managing communications, safety protocols, work arrangements and business continuity - all under the volatile skies, literally. How do I do this?
There wasn’t any reserve of expertise I could draw from. Every day I woke up pleading to God for wisdom, discernment and most importantly compassion. And as the Lord encouraged and equipped me through Scripture, these days were testament to how management best-practices have been ‘inspired’ from biblical principles, and Jesus embodied it - “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve” Mark 10:45.
As I navigated through this task at hand, one eventful day at a time, I saw myself relying on some of my favorite biblical truths to define the conversations I had to have. While these were talking points that helped me in this secular setting, I prayed that I could use these interactions to shine light on the hope that fills me as a child of God. I share these here, as they have deeply encouraged me through these days.
Feeling afraid is normal
Our fears are mostly because we care about our lives and the lives of those around us. But what do we do with them? Scriptures tell us about King David, who wrote many of his psalms during the years he spent as a fugitive, in real danger, and wondering whether each sunrise would be his last. He acknowledged the danger, the trial and the fear - plainly, without shame, and turned it to God, like in Psalm 56:3 -"When I am afraid, I put my trust in you”.
Likewise, realizing that I don’t need to suppress my fears but that I can direct them to our Almighty God and anchor them in his promises encouraged me greatly.
We are not certain of the ‘uncertainty’
The news speculations, political analyses and financial projections thrown at us only prove one thing - uncertainty! Well, I’d rather believe in certainty!
I had to remind myself that my tomorrow, my provisions and my ultimate purposes are certain to God; he is not surprised by what I am facing today.
Paul’s reminder in Romans 8:28 took root in my heart which says, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose”.
When you feel overwhelmed, it’s ok to ask for help
The shaking windows, the sounds of interception, the smoke-filled sky, are all completely new and alarming. Reaching out to a brother or sister, and verbalizing our apprehensions, is not weakness. We all have moments when the weight of things feels too much, when even getting through the day takes everything we've got.
On those days, I remind myself that I am not alone and that it is okay to be vulnerable, and not wait until we’re running on empty.
What your family needs most from you
As a parent, our presence, our faith and our willingness to be honest about fears, is irreplaceable. Children don't need us to have all the answers or pretend everything is fine. They need to see our faces, hear our voices, and know that we are there. I saw first-hand at home that just being in the room with them is enough for them to get through the ‘noise’.
I have found freedom in saying that "I don't know, but I trust God”, which I pray will become their language too when their hard moments come.
Today is a gift. Unwrap it fully
The danger around is real, but what is even more real is that my mundane day is truly a gift.
How can I waste my living today by fretting about the probabilities of tomorrow? Waking up each day, having food on the table, family and friends around, church family to pray alongside, are all God’s daily blessings. The Psalmist exhorts in 118:24 - "This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it." The beauty of our everyday life can shine through – in hugging our children more, enjoying the aroma of the morning coffee, cooking a biryani together, or just simply laughing out loud!
The days are drifting by, and it doesn’t feel quite settled yet, but this has bolstered my faith - Our God is the master designer. We are here today by His plan and His design. And thus, we can pray “Lord, strengthen us, guard our heart, help us see what you’re building in us through these days, and remind us that you are holding us - even now, even in this.”
