In Times Like These (#56)
“These are the times that try men’s souls.” (Thomas Paine, ' The American Crisis' ). We in the 21 st century would certainly agree with this statement. Daily, it seems we are faced with news of some disaster: Meteorites falling from the sky, earthquakes, tsunamis, floods, political unrest, economic instability, shootings, etc. The world is in a state of turmoil – physically, socially, economically, and morally. And it continues… This, of course produces stress; many are uncertain about what the future holds. I have found that the Bible is a great source of help in times like these. It is realistic. It acknowledges that there will be difficult times and depressing situations, but it offers hope as well. Consider the words of Jesus: “ In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer ; I have overcome the world.” It is possible to be buffeted by external forces and yet be peaceful internally. The world represents any and everything whi
