In the world ye shall have tribulation

So Britain has decided that it no longer wishes to be part of Europe. What does that mean for us as a country? Indeed what does it mean for Europe? The answer is that no-one knows. This was after all a vote against something not a vote for. The global financial markets reacted violently with a millions wiped off some of the leading shares – a “blue chip” company in which I have an interest lost 20% of its value overnight, for example. Politicians are now trying to tell everyone that all will be well but no-one can be certain of that. No doubt there will be considerable resentment when people find that they will not get what they thought they had voted for. No one could lay out plans saying this is what will happen if you vote to leave Europe since we will still have to negotiate with the EU with regard to trade agreements, immigration, grants we have received from Europe and a whole lot more. So there is, and will be for a long time to come, considerable uncertainty which is never a good thing.
That said the sun rose in the east on Friday morning and in the evening set in the west as it has done for millennia. The birds flocked to eat the insects on the shrubs in the garden and the roses are still in full bloom. So is there a problem? Well, yes there is but perhaps the answer lies in the last sentence of the verse quoted earlier: ‘but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.’ Indeed, St John goes on to say ‘Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in the Lord.’ John 14:1. And that in these uncertain times is our reassurance. No matter what the world throws at us we can, and must, trust in the Lord.