For many in our society, the future appears to be very threatening. Global terror continues to elicit fear, the threat of rogue nations employing nuclear devices seems more possible than in recent years, many are fearful of the predictions of climate change, student loan debt seems insurmountable, and the nation remains polarized.
Readings from both the Old and New Testaments prepare the reader for uncertain days ahead. In fact, a reading from Isaiah 5 contains the phrase, “You are doomed!” five times (Good News Translation).
It is very easy in our society to become discouraged, hopeless, and despondent. With a 24-hour news cycle, we are bombarded with mostly bad news continually. Even the science channels on cable television postulate the possibility of global destruction from asteroids, plague, or rising seas.
Yet, many Psalms counterbalance the seemingly endless stream of gloom with the brightness of hope. It is to God that we offer prayer, it is God in whom we hope, it is God who extends his kindness, His constant love, and His forgiveness (Psa. 25). It is because of God that the believer may praise, may sing with joy, and may trust in His protection. Even in the presence of enemies, one may find a refuge in Him (Psa. 9).
Psalm 15 calls for the believer to live a “right life,” to do good, and to obey God. We are reminded elsewhere that our citizenship is not of this world; that we are sojourners here and not permanent residents. It is not possible to be completely aloof or divorced from the troubles and tragedies that abound. But neither are we to be obsessed, or overcome, or overwhelmed by them.
In the darkness, He is the light. And, because, for Christians, we are “in Christ,” we are also the light. As the Psalmist discovered, it is often in the darkest valley that the traveler discovers that there are refreshing streams, lush pastures, and abundant provision and protection.
Even the “shadow of death” cannot stop our journey because we are not alone: “Thou art with me.” He has come. He will come again. But He also comes today. Do not be afraid.
[David Epps is the pastor of the Cathedral of Christ the King, Sharpsburg, GA (www.ctkcec.org). He is the bishop of the Mid-South Diocese which consists of Georgia and Tennessee (www.midsouthdiocese.org) and the Associate Endorser for the Department of the Armed Forces, U. S. Military Chaplains, ICCEC. He may contacted at [email protected].]
