Hey, I had good reason - I hear many people worry over corrupt, selfish governments with inept, ineffective leaders who use their state-influenced media to manipulate the uniformed "electorate." And that's just in my own country!
But then two readings greatly encouraged me.
Back 2,400 years ago, the prophet Jeremiah relayed God's message that the people being exiled to Babylon should not give up - to the contrary, they should persevere to thrive and flourish within the oppressive setting!
"Build houses and settle down, plant gardens and eat what they produce...Increase in number there; do not decrease. Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper." Jeremiah 29:5-7
God then promises that better times are ahead for his people,
"For I know the plans I have for you, " declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11
Ah, thank you! Great reminder.
We work for God's kingdom right where we are. Right here, right now. The 'troubling times' never cease, but neither do God's plans for our future.
The second reminder came from last Sunday's Gospel reading at church.
The apostles start to panic as a terrible storm overtakes their boat. In their fear they cry to Jesus,
"Teacher, don't you care if we drown?"
He quickly calms the storm - to their relief - but the teaching moment isn't just about the miracle:
"He said to his disciples, 'Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?'" Mark 4:37-40
Here they have the Son of God next to them in the boat - they know this guy - and yet they're wringing their hands, wondering 'if he cares' for their predicament.
Of course he does, and I get it.
I might just have well have stood up and whined, 'Lord, don't you care if I drown down here?'
He was there at the exile, he was there on the boat. He's here with us now.
It's not time to panic, it's time to thrive and prosper, even as we
'seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile.'
I can do that. And I am greatly encouraged.
What do you believe?
