Has anyone else experienced a listless, sinking feeling these days? Observing our culture can be like watching a train wreck. The words “hot mess” come to mind. So much of what’s “trending” is absurd—which makes the downward spiral even more maddening. Petty things seem to rise to the top of cultural awareness while serious issues that deserve attention are ignored. Perspective is warped. Things are getting ugly, and you just know this isn’t going to end well.
I try to turn off and tune out, but there’s no escaping the fact that this is our here and now. This is our temporary home. This is our current state of affairs. This dark, chaotic slugfest.
And yet…
“There is nothing new under the sun.” – Ecclesiastes 1:9
“In this world you will have trouble.” – John 16:33
These verses keep me in check; the stress and turmoil of the world whizzing around me is not a new phenomenon. The brokenness has always been here. Sure, the environment and context around sin might have been different—but the sin was and is still the same. People putting themselves first and God second, or third or leaving Him off the list altogether—and the specific and global consequences of those choices playing out. Fear trumping faith.
These thoughts give me perspective, but they don’t offer hope. It’s actually pretty depressing. And so, my eyes roll. My heart can sink. I can get a little apathetic.
“Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold.” – Matthew 24:12
And that’s when I need to hit my knees—and hold on to the promises of Jesus and the hope of ultimate restoration. I need some holy fire—some Good News—to warm my heart and revive my spirit.
How do people cope who think this is all there is? If this is all there is, I’d want to get off the ride. That would be even more depressing. This earth and its people can be lovely—but it’s simply not enough for me. The heaven-shaped hole in my heart says, “There’s got to be more. This just isn’t going to do it. I’m holding out for better.” Until then:
Lord, it’s easy to throw up my hands and say “I give up.” But that’s not how You work. You are a God who never walks away. Your love never grows distant or cold to me—even when I deserve it. I’m the beneficiary of Your abiding, enduring and redeeming love. So…
Even when the world around me is bleak and cruel, help me mirror and practice that kind of love that doesn’t quit.
Keep me humble. Call me out on my own personal transgressions; show me where I’m part of the problem.
Lord, please help me engage with my world in healthy ways that honor you and build up others.
Help me focus on the good around me—whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent or praiseworthy (Philippians 4:8).
And God, when things seem hopeless, help me remember that You are in control. You see what I see. You have the final word.
Someday, all brokenness will be wholeness. Until then, You tell me that You’re here with me and for me. I am so grateful for your promises that give me strength for today and hope for tomorrow. Thank you.
Sarah Weller 