Troubling Times

Just quoting is emotional. 

Platitudes, those empty clichés that offer no real comfort, seem to be a coping mechanism born out of anxiety caused by global affairs and social unrest. Today, chaos reigns and evil lurks around every corner, its pervasive presence felt more strongly than ever before.

Cults, Revolutions, Famines, and Earthquakes

Matthew 24:3-8

Now, while Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately and said, Tell us, when will these things happen, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age? In reply, Jesus told them, See to it that no one deceives you, because many will come in my name, proclaiming, I’m the Messiah, and they will deceive many people. You’ll begin to hear of wars and rumors of wars. See to it that you don’t panic. These things must take place, but the end won’t have come yet, because nation will rise up in arms against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. But all these things are only a beginning of agonies.

Whenever we encounter something that fills us with fear, we turn to the scriptures to voice our worries and disapproval of the unfolding events. In our hearts, we cry out today, filled with anticipation for the Lord’s return, wondering, “How much longer?” Our collective cry resonates with the powerful words of Revelations 6:10, as we raise our voices in unison, imploring, Sovereign Lord, holy and true, when will you judge the inhabitants of the earth and avenge our blood?

As we witness the world engulfed in chaos, we cry out in despair. Our hearts ache as we observe the relentless attacks on our Jewish brothers and sisters, and we raise our voices in protest. We are deeply troubled by the world’s growing animosity towards Israel and feel compelled to express our anguish. We express our outcry as we observe the unimpeded increase in Christian persecution. Witnessing the erosion of morals into barbarism, we cannot help but cry out. How much longer, my Lord?

As Jesus began telling His followers in John 14:1, Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me.

Emotions

Fear is a natural and common emotion. Feeling unsure is a natural part of life. It is natural to a certain extent to not have control over everything around you. Anger is a natural emotion as long as it doesn’t manifest in harming others. Questioning the norms and rationality of your beliefs is normal and needed. All the emotions we go through in stressful situations are perfectly normal and part of our natural response. What truly matters is whether we are controlled by our emotions or if we have control over our emotional responses.

The Serenity Prayer

God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference. Living one day at a time; Enjoying one moment at a time; Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace. Taking, as He did, this sinful world as it is, not as I would have it; Trusting that He will make all things right if I surrender to His Will; That I may be reasonably happy in this life and supremely happy with Him Forever in the next. Amen.

Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ!

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