How Can I Stand in Life's Storms?
by Poppy Smith

Have you gotten tired of turning on the nightly news or reading through the online newspaper?  It seems that everyday there are reports of sexual misconduct, warring political parties, and dishonest leaders.  I can’t presume to know the whole story, but I find my heart broken and distraught when I hear of these things.  The temptation may be to flee from the news and not engage in current events, but we also need followers of Jesus to thoughtfully engage the issues in a redemptive way.  We can each examine our hearts and ask God to what extent He would have us engage these conversations.  As we approach these difficult topics may I humbly suggest a couple points to ponder from God’s word.

1. Be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger. 

James gives us these word of instruction in his letter, providing us wisdom for how to live a Godly life.  There is much to listen to, and we must be thoughtful in how we respond, avoiding undue anger.  We also want to listen carefully, being discerning of what sources we put our trust in.  This leads us to be slow to speak, allowing us to craft a careful, sensitive response.  As I read through the hash tag WhyIDidntReport this week I heard the tragic stories of many women who weren’t listened to or were subject to words of judgment when they finally had the courage to share their stories of sexual assault.  In being quick to listen we can help bring healing balm to raw wounds, providing the presence and compassion of Jesus.   

2. Don’t neglect the plight of the vulnerable

James also reminds us to look after the orphan and widow in their distress, paying attention to the marginalized members of society.  He echoes the sentiments of the prophets who reprimanded Israel for mistreating the vulnerable or standing by while they were taken advantage of.  Immigration is a divisive and complex issue, and we must seriously weigh God’s heart for the disadvantaged seriously in our approach to it.  We are also surrounded by vulnerable parties who don’t make the news and we can bring about God’s kingdom when we care for them in their distress.

3. Remember where our hope comes from. 

Our hope is not in the outcome of the events that happen: who is elected to what position, what law is passed, or even whether or not we are struck by disaster.  Our unshakable hope is in Jesus and the great love and grace He has lavished on us, offering forgiveness to any who ask.  He has paid the penalty for all our sins, restored us to right relationship with God, conquered death, and has promised to return.  This is the Good News.

We cannot change most of the events on the news, but we can control how we respond to those in our sphere of influence, proclaiming and living out the Gospel life, offering hope, love, and redemption to a broken world.

Weary Traveler

Return, oh my soul, to your couch of rest.
Sigh no more, heavy heart and distant mind.
Though the sun blazes you find no consolation in its warmth.
Though the rain falls you care not for its refreshment.
 
Your keen eyes observe much yet blur in an act of self-protection.
What you have seen cannot be unseen.
Perhaps if you do not see more you can learn to bear the past; 
For it is still present and demands attention. 

Rise, eat, and carry on, weary traveler;
There is more path to tread.
Rally, tender heart and dulled senses;
This is not the end.

Weary soul, there is one whom you seek.
One who is ever present on this harrowed lane.
He knows every ache and gnarl of this road.
His sorrow was full.

Fall on his pillows of grace and goodness.
Smear every tear on his broad chest.
Sleep on his promises and wake in new mercy.
He is your rest.