So, we’re dancing with gladness. We grabbed a super deal on airline tickets. While our 401k plan is smiling, we pack suntan lotion and sunglasses. It’s vacation time.
Remember those days? Remember when life was easier? Folks got the flu and it was no big deal? The only time we saw masks was when surgeons or surgical nurses wore them? Seems like that was a lifetime ago.
What we face at the time this was written are masked people here and there and no one knows for sure why. Airline tickets makes us soar into shock. While our 401k plan cries out for help, we grit our teeth at the grocery bill. And when we fill the gas tank, we empty our bank account at the same time.
And to add more ugliness, reports of violence invade our peace. The bad news on the media reminds us we’re in the wilderness of gloom.
But we’re not alone.
The Israelites had their own wilderness, too. They focused on the pitiful and were infected by the virus of discontentment. “They spoke against God, saying, ‘Can God spread a table in the desert? When he struck the rock, water gushed out, and streams flowed abundantly. But can he also give us food? Can he supply meat for his people?’” (Psalm 78:19-20 NIV).
When God provided, they complained. When God was with them, they rebelled. When God protected them, they still whined. And when God made His promises, they doubted.
Sound familiar? We complain on social media, at the dinner table, at the grocery store. We whine about the ugly world situation. And in the complaining, doubt comes in. Like the Israelites, we question God, we doubt His provision, His help, and His power.
The good news is that we can change. Instead of gazing at the gloom, we catch a glimpse of the promise land. It comes to view when we take our eyes off the situation, off the tragedy before us, off the gloom upon us or the immorality within us.
Next, we turn down the volume of the world’s bad news. And turn up God’s voice. We increase the volume of His promises. And over and over again we repeat His words that speak into the middle of the mess:
- When we’re weak with worry, He says, “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you” (Deuteronomy 31:6 NIV).
- When the economy downfall robs our financial security, God says, “The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms.” (Deuteronomy 33:27 NIV).
- When fear is about to eat us for lunch, “God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.’ So, says with confidence, ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid’” (Hebrews 13:5-6 NIV).
Equipped with the power of God’s promises, we don’t retreat, but lift our head high and move forth with boldness. When inflation rises, God’s power increases. When fuel gets more expensive, God’s provision becomes greater. When bad news bombard us, God’s truth shields us. When the world gets darker, His light glimmers brighter. When war breaks out, victory is His promise. Tomorrow may seem bleak, but God’s hope shines through.
Let’s Pray: Father, in the mess before me, I will choose to see You, trust in Your protection, hold on to Your promises, and to rely on Your provision. I embrace them all as the gift wrapped in your unfailing love. In Jesus name.
What brings peace to your mess?
Janet P. Eckles
https://janetperezeckles.com/