From the Director of Faith Formation and Wellbeing

Finding Peace in a Shifting World

I had the pleasure of having lunch with my older sister the other week, a rare in-person, face-to-face moment, as she was visiting Adelaide from the UK. It had been five years since the last visit, so it was most enjoyable!

Being UK-based, my sister was reflecting on the state of the world from a European perspective, and for a time, we both commented on the shifting geopolitical and economic landscape we find ourselves in!

The conversation ranged from newly elected world leaders to education policy, housing prices to global conflicts, cost of living to the best places in the world to live… You name it, we probably went there! I was very much enjoying the discussion, but among the many things I admire about my PhD educated, highly articulate, champion of a mumma, academic-leading big sister is her deep and true faith in God. 

Our conversation changed track, now with a lens of our mutual shared faith in Jesus shaping the narrative. In the midst of global uncertainty, who do we turn to? Upon what do we build? 

Our hope, faith and trust in God above. 

Psalm 25:1-5 reads, 

In you, Lord my God, I put my trust. 

I trust in you; do not let me be put to shame, 

nor let my enemies triumph over me. 

No one who hopes in you will ever be put to shame,

but shame will come on those who are treacherous without cause. 

Show me your ways, Lord, teach me your paths. 

Guide me in your truth and teach me, 

for you are God my Saviour, 

and my hope is in you all day long.

What grounds us when things seem uncertain? 

What keeps our feet on the right path? 

My prayer is that the words of this Psalm will be a guiding light for you.

Verse 1 says, ‘In you, Lord my God, I put my trust.’ Place your trust in God. Of course, be sensible, plan according as best one can, and be diligent with what is in your hand, but primarily, put your trust in God. The psalmist, in this case King David, knew all too well the trials and tribulations of life. His words are so much more than to simply fit the time signature of a song, or to hold literary prose or poetic rhythm, but more so, to convey truth to our hearts. 

Think of the later part of the Psalm in verses 4-5 'Show me your ways, Lord, teach me your paths. Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Saviour, and my hope is in you all day long.’ 

When we walk in uncertainty, perhaps not knowing where our finances may be or unsure of what the path ahead may bring, the instruction is to ask God and allow Him to show us HIS ways, to teach us HIS path, and to walk in HIS truth…

May we trust in God above, allowing Jesus to set the narrative within, changing its track and aligning with God’s purposes for our lives. It’s not a fix-all.

There may still be challenges to face, and anxiety may still try to creep in, but in those moments, look down and see the path on which you tread.

May that path be directed by the Lord God Almighty. May your guide be the maker of all, the bringer of truth, the saviour of the world. And may the God of all peace guard your heart and mind in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:4-7 encourages us, 

Rejoice in the Lord always. 

I will say it again: Rejoice! 

Let your gentleness be evident to all. 

The Lord is near. 

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.

May those words resonate within your heart and mind, and be ever present to you all.

Peace to you and your family.

Adam Wood

Director of Faith Formation & Wellbeing