Daily Devotional September 10, 2020

Is it just me or is the world getting to be a more depressing place?  The news is continually filled with conflict.

Brexit is a looming disaster?  Republicans and Democrats would rather shoot each other than work together.  Oregon, California, and Washington are facing monstrous wildfires that are killing people, destroying homes, and ruining businesses.  The people of Belarus are fed up with their dictator.  The evil of racism continues to raise its ugly head.  Hurricane Laura devastated the coastal areas of Louisiana.  Passengers are kicked off airplanes for refusing to wear masks.  QAnon backers see conspiracies everywhere.  Peaceful protests are no longer peaceful.  Russia is accused of interfering in our presidential election and trying to assassinate a critic of the government.  The Postal Service is falling further and further behind.  Millions have permanently lost their jobs.  COVID-19 continues to kill hundreds of thousands of people.  Progressives hate Conservatives.  Conservatives hate Progressives.  Jerry Falwell Jr.’s conduct while president of Liberty University makes Christians look like hypocrites to those outside the faith.  People are calling each other the most obscene, profane names on social media.  Parents are terrified about making the right decision about either sending their children to school or keeping them home.  Our police are quitting or retiring early, rather than continue taking unending abuse.  China and India, two to world’s largest populated countries, are inching closer and closer to war.  An earthquake shakes New Jersey.  The opioid epidemic continues to wreak havoc and destroy lives.  All of this is just the tip of a very depressing iceberg.

It seems as if our entire world has run off the rails and we have no control.  But that’s not quite true.

While there are a lot of things we cannot control, we can control what matters most – us.

The old motto is true:  “No Jesus, No Peace, Know Jesus, Know Peace.”

Jesus said, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace.  In the world you will have trouble.  But take heart!  I have overcome the world.”  (John 16:33)

Today, as the many issues our world faces start to overwhelm you, remember who you are and whose you are.

You are a child of God’s.  You matter.  God will never desert you.  And because you know Jesus, you can know peace and joy, as the storms of this world continue to howl and swirl. 

God created you for a reason. 

So remember the old saying, “Dance with the One who brung ya.” 

As you begin a new day, put your hand in God’s and let him lead you through this confusing, chaotic world.  Jesus really is the answer.

Prayer:  Dear Gracious Heavenly God, the world is a scary place.  Help me trust in you.  Give me shelter from the storms of life.  Let me feel your joy, mercy, and presence.  In Jesus’ name I pray.  Amen.

If the whole world truly knew Jesus, we would not be in this mess.  It’s up to us to tell them.

I pray your day is filled with joy and laughter.
Tom Robbins