Put our trust in God for future

AS we find ourselves in another New Year, people everywhere are gripped by fear, panic and anxiety — and no wonder.

With the lethal coronavirus pandemic continuing to spread in the nation, triggering endless cycles of lockdown measures (in the process causing heartache and misery), the only anticipation for 2021 is an unsettling fear of the unknown and a dark tomorrow.

But let us pause for one moment. In December 1939, our nation was at war with Nazi Germany, having entered the conflict to defend the freedom of Europe and, ultimately, that of the world.

The future course of the war was unknown. The outcome was uncertain and victory was by no means assured. The war, which had commenced three months earlier, would last for almost six years.

The cost in terms of lives lost and injuries sustained would be immense. Within months, children were being evacuated, shortages were beginning to develop in our shops and it looked like the war might take longer to win than was first imagined. Not knowing what would happen, the masses were paralysed by the fear of the unknown.

During this period, King George VI was the reigning monarch.

On Christmas Day, he addressed the nation, speaking memorable words of comfort and peace to calm all within the realm. He reminded them of the only true King, King Jesus, the

One who can provide true peace and real rest in such troubled times.

In a time of difficulty, danger and distress, the encouraging message from the King was: “Put your hand into the hand of God.”

Going into an unknown future, this is the best thing that any of us can do. When we put our trust, by faith, in him, we need not go into 2021 with dreaded fear, but with joyous cheer.

DONALD J MORRISON By email