Where were you when the world stopped turning?

“Where were you when the world stopped turning?” Country singer Alan Jackson asked this question in his song written following the tragic events of 9/11. Those who were living then have the events of that Tuesday in September etched into our memory. The world as we knew it had ended. That is why you remember where you were when you heard the news. You remember what you were doing when everything stopped. 

Recent events in our nation have been very troubling. These days are filled with fear, anger, and uncertainty for the days to come. Some have commented it seems like the world will be coming to an end soon. Religious people are wondering aloud if Jesus will be returning soon?

I honestly do not know. Which is a good thing, because if I told you I knew, then I would be contradicting what Jesus said in Matthew 24:36: “But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven nor the Son, but only the Father.”

What I do know is what Jesus said right before He told us that no one knows the date of His return. Jesus said in Matthew 24:35, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.”

So, how do you respond when the “world stops turning?”

1, Remind yourself this is not the first time the “world stopped turning.”

October 25, 1929. December 7, 1941. November 22, 1963. January 28, 1986. September 11, 2001. January 20, 2021. These are dates within the previous 100 years where the world stopped turning for many people. What is it Solomon wrote in the book of Ecclesiastes? There is nothing new under the sun. Yes, the world “stopped” for many people on those dates, and yet, we are still here. 

2. Determine what foundation you are building your life upon.

Jesus told the story of two builders to conclude His Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 7. One man built his house on a firm foundation of rock, the other man built on sand. When the storms came, the house on the rock was able to stand. Notice, the house did not remain standing because it avoided a storm, rather, the house stood through the storm because of its foundation. Storms in life are inevitable. There will be days the “world stops turning.” But Jesus said the firm foundation is to build your life on His Words. Is this the foundation you are building your life on?

3. Remember what matters most.

Alan Jackson wrote these lyrics in the refrain of his song following 9/11: “I know Jesus and I talk to God, And I remember this from when I was young, Faith, hope, and love are some good things He gave us, And the greatest is love.”

Jesus said the world would know we are His disciples by the way we love (John 13:34-35). Today is not the time for Christians to cower in fear or give in to anger and seek revenge. Today is the time to love one another and share the Good News of Jesus with the world! When the world stops turning, we are God’s first responders. We run towards the danger, not away from it. Why? Because Jesus is what this world needs, and we are His messengers. Let us go out and share the Good News that regardless of whether your world stopped turning, we know the One whose words will last long after this world has ended.