Which song do you associate with Frank Sinatra? For myself and many others it’s “My Way”. Released in the USA in March 1969, it’s often known by a line from the chorus: “I did it my way.” Surprisingly, despite it’s success, Frank Sinatra’s daughter Tina said that he came to dislike the song: “He didn’t like it. That song stuck and he couldn’t get it off his shoe. He always thought that song was self-serving and self-indulgent.”

Self-serving and self-indulgent? The song is very popular, but when you listen to the lyrics Frank may just have a point.

In contrast to going our own way, through the words of an ancient prophet we hear a different call, the call of our loving Creator to all who desire a new life, a life of wisdom and spiritual fulfilment:

“SEEK ME AND LIVE!”

Amos 5:4

These four words should be on everyone’s mind at the moment, especially those at the COP 26 Climate Conference in Glasgow. The question of how we deal with global warming is fundamentally important for the health and welfare of everyone on planet Earth. So to seek the guidance and the help of the One who put this world together is surely essential. Yet the conference’s signature tune seems to be: “We’ll do it our way!”

But even if those at COP 26 try to leave God out of the picture, we ourselves can take our Creator at His word, by seeking His help on behalf of our planet. In a song from around 1000 BC there is this promise:

“He is near to those who call to Him … He hears their cries for help and rescues them.”

Psalm 145:18-19 (GNT & NLT)

Millions of people are rightly concerned about the future, and some are even frightened of what may happen. But despite an uncertain future there is always hope. We have a God who cares deeply for His creation and who loves each one of us individually. In another song from the same era, we hear His words of reassurance:

“When the earth and all its people tremble, I keep everything from falling to pieces.”

Psalm 75:3 (NIRV)