(Photo credit to David Sakowski)
It seems like the world is rushing so fast in one direction. Unfortunately it seems to be an overwhelmingly angry, mob-like, destructive direction. I feel like I have been getting swept up in the rush of everything. Bad news seems like it is around every single corner. Every day I hear of more unbridled anger and violence and senseless destruction. It has been getting to me. It’s easy to get so weighed down with everything going on. It feels like a heavy cloud has just settled over my life and I know God is on the other side, but in the blackness of the moment, you can’t see anything.
Also my baby is teething, it’s been way too hot out, and we’ve been so busy that sleep has just taken a back seat in this craziness of life. Everything seems to have converged on this one weekend and it just has beaten me down.
I would have despaired unless I had believed I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.
Hanging on to the truth
I feel like I’m drowning in this tidal wave of different opinions at this cultural moment, and I’m just trying to see what is right and true. It’s hard to know how to respond, it’s hard to figure out exactly who the evil people are. I just need to hang onto the fact that God knows people’s hearts. Ultimately, there is justice. Both now and in all ages past, evil doesn’t just get off the hook.
“For there is no faithfulness in their mouth; their inward part is destruction; their throat is an open tomb; they flatter with their tongue. Pronounce them guilty, O God! Let them fall by their own counsels; Cast them out in the multitude of their transgressions, for they have rebelled against You. But let all those rejoice who put their trust in You; Let them ever shout for joy, because You defend them; let those also who love Your name be joyful in You. For You, O Lord, will bless the righteous; with favor You will surround him as with a shield.” -Psalm 5: 9-12
We have this treasure in earthen vessels
The sad thing is I feel like I usually have so much hope that somehow, someway, things will turn around. People will surrender their lives to Christ and we will find ourselves living in this revival. I feel like that dream is slipping further and further away, but I need to remind myself that this is only just for a moment. God knows who are His and who are working evil. Justice does exist, mercy does exist. There are no people so far away from God that they can’t turn back to Him. Prayer really does work. Even though things do seem hopeless, God is orchestrating everything. And finally, that sin may have its moment, but God has the eternity.
“Faith is the art of holding onto things, in spite of your changing moods and circumstances.”
-C.S. Lewis
Just a note from a girl who was weighed down with bad news this weekend, remembering where exactly her joy is rooted.
“There are many who say, “Who will show us any good?” Lord, life up the light of Your countenance upon us. You have put gladness in my heart, more than in the season that their grain and wine increased. I will both lie down in peace, and sleep; for You alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.” – Psalm 4: 6-7
-Laura B.
Nice job on this!
Excellent thoughts! Thank you for sharing!