Recently at our kitchen table, I asked my family of four to throw out any of the recent news headlines or social media conversations that they found upsetting or confusing. I was saddened by what they started to list and how there wasn’t a pause in conversation as their list continued to grow. Not only was it long, but it was a weighty one. Scribbling them down, there was nothing that could be solved quickly or easily. Some of the items have been troubling and polarizing Americans for decades: Racism, Terror in the Middle East, Abortion Rights.
Before I list them all, let me begin with the frustration of thinking of “the greatest nation” in the world having an unpopular President and Vice President. But politics and our government seemed insignificant compared to the recent topics my family shared around the increasing number of teenagers and young adults choosing to self-identify as LGBTQ+. They said they can show empathy, but those opting to declare themselves a different gender is confusing. Especially given how much attention this topic is receiving when being born one gender or the other is straightforward.
My high schoolers mentioned their fear of the rise in school shootings.
Again, there was barely a pause in conversation when one of them mentioned the unsettled job market, sharing a friend’s parent getting laid off, and inflation in gas and food prices – two areas in which they feel the sting monthly! And to pull it full circle to the government, in the recent local elections the state we live in voted to legalize abortion and cannabis, and our conversation took a turn with these two side questions, won’t this only exacerbate the tendency of people to numb pain with alcohol and marijuana? Won’t this only further provide research results of increasing rates of depression, suicide, and loneliness?
I didn’t know what to expect when I asked the question, and equally, I don’t know what to do with all the conflicting information swirling around in our heads. And this is only half the list my family rattled off!
What a chaotic and confusing time in which we live.
I told my family that when I asked my friend Sandy if the current unrest was a similar feeling to the Vietnam era. Her answer was “Yes but….” Yes, there were similar feelings of unrest and uncertainty, but, in the 1960s the country was united on who the enemy was. So, if we were going to fight, everyone was aligned in knowing we were supporting the South Vietnamese against the communist government of North Vietnam.
One of my children commented that there isn’t much uniting our country or the world. The other said that every conversation feels polarizing. We all agree that we often don’t initiate these topics. We hesitate when others talk about them or slip away to avoid confrontation. Unfortunately, that’s not helping either side get to an agreement, let alone feel safe with each other. In fact, in the silence over the years, hatred has laid dormant and now it is coming out with fire! We are witnessing it play out at demonstrations and with hate threats happening in both small college towns and big cities, on American soil.
I’m having a hard time putting up my Christmas decorations and going to festive parties when two separate wars are taking place. It’s been almost 2 years since Russia invaded Ukraine (Feb 24, 2022), and the atrocities being done to innocent Israelis and Palestinian civilians since October 7, 2023, I don’t understand why our nation and others are silently watching a terrorist network proudly broadcasting its hatred and evil to the world. It leaves me wondering when is God going to take the reins to straighten it all out? I feel useless and sickened; how can we live as if this evil isn’t occurring? I am seeking moral victory and for the Messiah to provide it!
So, until then, I rely on the trusty playbook many of us Believers are comfortable with, and for those newer in faith, think of it as an old sports lesson: when there is chaos on the sports court, the coach instructs players to slow it down, get back in position, re-establish footing to continue with the progress of the game.
As Believers we seek God and His Word and instruction for peace to settle us:
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27
*We remain faithful to Him, keeping God close in our lives, relying on our firm foundation of following Him and His plan. “Unless the LORD builds the house, the builders labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain.” Psalm 127
*We read scripture about God’s Character. He is gentle and encouraging, yet He cannot be anything other than just and true. “A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out. In faithfulness he will bring forth justice; he will not falter or be discouraged till he establishes justice on earth.” Isaiah 42:3-4
*We pray to emulate Him each day, relying on the gifts of the Holy Spirit inside us, so we may remain calm while the world is in chaos. “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” Galatians 5:22-23
*We remember His Glory as Jesus on earth and the victory that provides us.
“The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” John 1:14
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
These are just a few of the promises God gives us. And as I type them out, I am comforted, as they are the words I keep seeing as friends and store fronts decorate for Christmas.
Peace, Faith, Justice, Truth, Love, Joy, Comfort.
Yes, the Master of Order can overcome the chaos of your world and the entire universe.
“An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger. Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” (Luke 2:9-14)
Please pray with me:
Lord, be with us in the confusion of this world. As we begin the season of anticipating Your arrival, remind us of all You have already done. Prompt us to steep in Your Word, strengthen our faith and let us know You and Your character deeper. In Your time, please bring Peace, Order, Justice, and Truth. All for Your Glory. Amen.