Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him. (Ps. 42:11)
We are living in a fallen creation. Thus, trouble will exist in the world until Christ returns. There are days when I look at the hatred and violence going on and wonder how it is possible. My heart hurts for the families that are victims of mass shootings. My soul aches for children who are mistreated and abused. The pain and suffering present on a daily basis are sometimes more than anyone should have to bear. And yet, I know despite all the bad that is present in the world, hope still exists. Good is still present. We still have a reason to embrace joy.
The psalmist experienced an internal struggle. While his soul was suffering from the circumstances around him, his faith was telling him to trust God. He could not deny the pain and suffering he was experiencing. However, he also did not want to give more power to those feelings than to God.
Jesus warns us that in the world we will experience trouble. And then, he tells us to take heart because he has overcome the world. It is only normal to respond when bad things happen. Yet, we must remain rooted in the hope of Jesus Christ. He is greater than anything the world can throw our way so we must always reflect his light.
Reflect God’s image despite your circumstances.
Tara Klein—a lover of words—shares her imperfect, unconventional Christian journey as a female, mother, and wife to invite others into God’s unconditional love.
© 2020 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.
