Daily Devotional for May 4, 2022

Russia and Ukraine are at war.  China and Taiwan are on the verge of war.  Democrats and Republicans are at war.  Antifa and white supremists are at war.  Yemen and Saudi Arabia are at war.  North Korea is pretty much at war with everyone.  Conservatives are at war with Critical Race Theory.  Governor DeSantis and Disney World are at war.  The National Rifle Association is at war with anyone who wants gun control.  Mexican drug cartels are at war with each other.  Green Peace and the Japanese whaling industry are at war.  Pro-life and Pro-choice advocates are at war.  CNN and FOX are at war.
 
Conflict, anger, and animosity are cancers infecting everything.  Nothing and no one seems to be exempt.  Even my own Christian denomination is being torn apart by differing theological views.  It’s very disheartening.
 
Having said that, what else should we expect?  We live in a broken, sinful, selfish world.
 
The good news is one day, the One who matters most, will set everything right.  And the pains, heartaches, and wars of this world will be permanently left behind.  That’s a day I am really looking forward to.
 
Every Sunday, as our church recites the Lord’s Prayer, we say, “Thy kingdom come” – now, today, this minute, don’t wait another moment!  That’s because we know what happens when we see Jesus face-to-face.
 
Only when Jesus returns will the world be set right.  I cannot wait.
 
If you are like me and eagerly waiting for Jesus to return, know it will happen.  We just don’t know when.
 
Paul thought it would happen in his lifetime.  It didn’t.  Two thousand years later, we are still waiting.
 
If you are tired of living in a world filled with narcissism, hedonism, hate, violence, addiction, abuse, poverty, and hopelessness, remember the central message of the book of Revelation – God wins!
 
This is the future God promises you: “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God.  He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!”  (Revelation 21:3-5a)
 
While we may not be completely through the bad, we know good days are coming.  This is something to look forward to.
Prayer:  Dear Gracious Heavenly God, in those disheartening moments of life, remind me of your love, presence, and promise.  In Jesus’ name I pray.  Amen.
 
Followers of Jesus are the only ones who walk through time as eternal optimists.  We know how the story ends.
 
I pray your day is filled with joy and laughter.
Tom Robbins