From the Pulpit: These are anxious times

These are anxious times. A quick glance at the headlines quickly reveals a world where it seems chaos and rumors of war are the order of the day. The horrific shootings in Las Vegas invoke our sympathies and create tangible fears for our public safety. Following the movement of Russian troops in Eastern Europe, a World War II veteran expressed his fears to me that we may be heading into another world war. The potential proliferation of nuclear weapons in some countries is a cause for grave concern. The division and hatred that we witness on the nightly news reports has moved from merely discomforting to disillusioning.

At times, we may be tempted to just bury our head in the sand, and try to ignore it all. At other times, we may live in a perpetual fear, imagining all kinds of possible events from open war to local terror attacks in America’s heartland. What anchors you in the turbulent and uncertain times of life?

In the gospel of John (16:33) Jesus said this to his disciples: “In this world you will have tribulation. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” What a comfort those words of our Savior have been for millions of people throughout the centuries. These disciples of Jesus would certainly face untold persecution and in most cases execution for their faith. Yet they had an inner peace that strengthened them for the various trials they would face. That same promise of Jesus Christ is there for us to ponder. It is the hope and confidence of all who put their trust in him. While we still have our doubts and fears, we can call upon the one who has gone before us, and has overcome the powers of this world. God give you His strength to face the world each day with hope, and perseverance.