Theme: Living with Uncertainty

Illustration: Because I do not watch TV and restrict paying too much attention to mass media, I knew little of the strikes going on currently by America’s longshoremen. It seems they, too, are reeling from the downturn in our economy of the last three years or so. If you know anything about trade, you know that shipping is essential.

America is wide open to any who will cross, and it is not hard to understand why we are so often struck by the news of more rapes, more murders, more assaults, more robberies, more looting, etc.

Plus, we have a former POTUS nearly murdered on camera. Twice.

And now, America’s military in the Middle East is on high alert due to Iranian missiles being launched into Israel, and continued terrorism from Hezbollah and other Islamic groups.

And another $8 billion are made available to Ukraine. Is anyone else scratching his head? Borderlessness for America, and no funds for soldiers to cover down on America’s soldiers, but another $8 billion for Ukraine and their borders and defense?  

Parts of western NC, eastern TN, GA, SC, and FL are still under water, and lives have been eclipsed and livelihoods devastated by Helene, yet politicians continue with more of the same insanity. Even the most tranquil minds must go, “Huh?” at the current state of affairs.

Politicians go, “It’s his/her fault,” ad infinitum. It’s just more of the same each day. We print money that is worth less and less, and we finance other countries, and the wars just go on and on, and many people get rich. I love soldiering with all my heart, but real life is not like the movies.

Many people are expressing uncertainty. Regardless of political leanings, regardless of what color jersey your team wears, folks are nervous, and there is a massive erosion of confidence in current leadership. How should we then live?

Takeaway:  First, we are told up front that there would be wars and rumors of wars (Matthew 24:6).

Second, we are led by sinners (Romans 3:23). Even wise leaders are but vessels of clay (see Isaiah 18).

Third, leaders (as incompetent or evil as some are) remain under the sovereign rule of God: “The king’s heart is a stream of water in the hand of the LORD; he turns it wherever he will” (Proverbs 21:1, ESV).

Fourth, man’s deepest problem is not the current war or the ones after that, but it is his wicked heart in rebellion against his Creator (Genesis 3:6-8; Ephesians 2:1-3; Jeremiah 17:9; Romans 3:10-19).

Perhaps my favorite nugget of wisdom from some people who influenced my worldview is this:  “What’s down in the well comes up in the bucket.” Yes and amen.

When exiles from Eden slaughter one another for money and power, it’s but more testimony to the veracity of God’s indictment and to his offer of redemption—for all who will come in repentance and faith.