“Yet not one of [these sparrows] will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care” (Matthew 10:29).

Today is Friday the 13th. Oh no, lookout! 

Some people think that Friday the thirteenth is unlucky. Why? 

I never knew the reason. After a quick google search it seems that there isn’t a clear answer.

Today provides us, however, with an opportunity to reflect on how we understand the world.

First, Christians don’t believe in luck. We believe in providence. God is governing and guiding all things toward his ultimate purposes. In other words, putting a horseshoe above your door isn’t a guarantee of anything.

Second, even though we don’t believe in luck—and even though we don’t believe that a thirteenth day of a month that just so happens to land on a Friday is worse than any other day—we do believe in a world where bad things happen.

Because of sin, people make bad decisions which create problems in other people’s lives. There are also our own personal sins; things get worse (not better) when we stray from God’s ways. Further, Satan and his workers (usually called ‘unclean spirits’ or ‘demons’ in the Gospels) are trying to do harm and draw our eyes away from Jesus and the hope he offers. 

Just because something bad happens on Friday the thirteenth, that doesn’t mean it’s because of Friday the thirteenth.

If you’re prone to superstition, or if you’ve been drawn into the idea that luck reigns (instead of God’s providence), perhaps today is a day to re-centre yourself in how God has structured reality. 

When you’re feeling nervous, trust and glorify God.
When you’re feeling afraid, trust and glorify God. 
When you’re feeling uncertain about the future, trust and glorify God.

Our God is a wise and loving King who governs and guides his people—not only for 364 days of the year, but for 365.

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Notes:

–The Up Devotional is published 5 days a week (Monday-Friday) and returns on December 16, 2024.

–Bible quotes are from the NIV.