Why is there so much violence and uncertainty in the world today, not just among nations, but also in our communities and schools and even our homes? We could list many reasons: economic inequality, injustice, greed, racial conflict and so forth. Humans hurt each other-sometimes in horrific ways – because we live in a world broken by sin.
When it comes to violence you’d think terrorists and people like that would realize violence only makes things worse, but they never do. One would think that most people want to live in peace.
Uncertainty may be one of the worst feelings. Especially if the uncertainty involves something we care deeply about. How do we respond when we face uncertain situations? Do we try to hold tight to what we can, to force the outcome our heart desires? Or do we try to change things that are outside of our power or control. The more we realize all the things outside of our control, the more utterly aware we are of the deep panic and uncertainty in our soul.
Our real problem, however, is within our own hearts and minds. Have you ever thought about how peaceful our world would be if we truly loved others the way we should, and weren’t driven instead by selfishness and pride and anger? Jesus said, “For it is from within, out of a person’s heart, that….All these evils come ” (Mark 7:21,23).
It seems like the violence will never stop. But one day, it will. God is still in charge. Because God is a loving Father who wants good things for His children, we can trust that He is going to use even terrible things to bring about our good and His glory. Violence and pain were not God’s plan for humanity, and Jesus is coming back. He’s bringing justice and mercy and will set things right. As Christians, we can look forward to a day with no more pain and no more tears.
When we focus on God’s goodness and our place in eternity, the craziness of this world isn’t quite so overwhelming.
And while we wait, God promises to be with us, comfort us, and encourage us through our pain and fear. As we hope for the future day when Jesus will return and stop the violence and uncertainty, we can bring our questions, fear and anguish to Him. Jesus promises to meet us in these heavy places.
Psalm 46:10
“Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!”
2 Corinthians 4:13-18
13 Since we have the same spirit of faith according to what has been written, “I believed, and so I spoke,” we also believe, and so we also speak, 14 knowing that he who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus and bring us with you into his presence. 15 For it is all for your sake, so that as grace extends to more and more people it may increase thanksgiving, to the glory of God. 16So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. 17For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, 18 as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.
Jerri