In times like these, I turn to Jeremiah (not the Bible's happiest camper, BTW)...not because he is a cynic, but because he tells the truth: "Cursed are those who trust in mere mortals and make mere flesh their strength ... Blessed are those who trust in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord." (Jeremiah 17:5-9 is the place to read.)
My problem? (OK) One of my problems? I expect that we human beings are going to be able to resolve the problems and issues we've made between us. I expect that we'll behave with decency, civility and charity in the process. Then I get really disappointed when it turns out that we won't and seemingly can't. And then I get depressed when it turns out that (honesty is the best policy here) I'm no better at this than anyone else.
Guess I'd better stick to Jeremiah's advice and trust in the Lord...indeed, to trust in what God has already done in Christ Jesus. Salvation sure isn't happening on my watch. Only a death and a resurrection can do what needs done...unbinding us from the sub-human desire to trust something less than God for the deliverance we so desperately need.
We've been given a new life, folks...a second chance. Rather than blow it on the same old sins, let's take this opportunity to submit our world and ourselves in joyful obedience to the One who loves nothing more than creating gardens and raising the dead...a whole world after Jeremiah's (God's) vision: deeply rooted, leafy green and full of fruit.
