Something’s Not Right
“The Lord nullifies the counsel of the nations; He frustrates the plans of the peoples. The counsel of the Lord stands forever, the plans of His heart from generation to generation. Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord…” (Psalm 33:10-12a)
Can’t say when I’ve been this disappointed in my government. Congress is at an impasse, the election is shadowed in doubt, and rumors of another “shut down” are looming. Our cities are seeing eruptions of turmoil, as many strive to get back to stability.
Yet, there are signs of hope, I believe, if you know where to look. Though waiting seems to be what characterizes our times. Holding one another up is the best we can do until this thing gets straightened out. I say “straightened out.” That may be somewhat optimistic.
Then There’s God…
In times like these I’m glad Scripture speaks wisdom and perspective into our dilemma. The heat continues to be turned up in our nation with its ongoing health concerns, threats of natural disasters, and economic woes piling up. When will we turn to God? How long can we hold out?
The God of heaven is very present in our world today. His Word tells us of this:
“The Lord looks from heaven; He sees all the sons of men. From His dwelling place He looks out on all the inhabitants of the earth…” (v. 13-14).
Don’t you wonder what He’s thinking of us and our ways? One thing that’s obvious–we have free will. Our choices have gotten us into these circumstances. Not just our nation, but all nations are undergoing seismic shifts, like tectonic plates moving with the pressure of the earth’s core. Something at mankind’s core is not right.
Often, though, we expect to find a solution ourselves. However, it’s been too long since we’ve witnessed wise men and heroes on the scene. Where are the altruistic men and women who humbly step up to help? Instead there’s silence, apathy, and posturing.
Is that where our hope lies? Look again at God’s Word:
“The king is not saved by a mighty army; a warrior is not delivered by great strength. A horse is a false hope of victory…” (v. 16-17a).
We could substitute any other means we could devise for deliverance: bailouts, vaccines, court decisions, and so on. These won’t promise triumph, mastery, or lasting success.
God, the eternal Father, holds the answers to the problems we are experiencing and will continue to face. He wants us to trust in Him, not resist some distorted image of Him.
“Watch this: God’s eye is on those who respect him, the ones who are looking for his love. He’s ready to come to their rescue in bad times; in lean times he keeps body and soul together” (v. 18-19 MSG).
Could that be said any plainer? Bad times and lean times are all around us. Where else do we expect love to come from? Whose power is equal to this time?
Listen again to the ancient writings. Let their import sink in. Others before us have found the way through:
“We wait in hope for the Lord; he is our help and shield. In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name. May your unfailing love rest upon us, O Lord, even as we put our hope in you” (v. 20-22 NIV).
The modern translation of this passage reads, “We’re depending on God; he’s everything we need. What’s more, our hearts brim with joy since we’ve taken for our own his holy name. Love us, God, with all you’ve got–that’s what we’re depending on.”
We’ve a Story to Tell
“We’ve a story to tell to the nations that shall
turn their hearts to the right;
A story of truth and mercy, a story of peace and light,
A story of peace and light.
For the darkness shall turn to dawning,
and dawning to noon-day bright,
And Christ’s great kingdom shall come to earth,
The kingdom of love and light.”