There are too many places of pain in this world as it continues on its voyage to extinction and rebirth. Sounds so fatalistic, doesn't it? But those of us who've read the account - the biblical one - realize we're only allowed so much time on this earth, and those that come after us, if we survive our current state of affairs, will at some point experience the end of all things as we have known them.
It would take either naiveté or utter stubbornness to deny the deterioration of societies, cultures, and countries around the world. From the sexual slave trade of children both males and females to the butchering of Christians, this is clearly a world gone mad from the supernatural influence of demons. There is no other explanation and certainly no excuses for the perversions foisted upon the human race by the embracers of evil.
It's too much. More than we can handle. Heartbreak, tragedy, perversion, rage, murder, exploitation, selfishness, cruelty, victimhood, criminality, lies upon lies, diseases and addictions, depressions and anxieties. All combine to create chaos and hopelessness, providing easy marks for the enemy of our souls.
But . . . there is one hope, one unchanging factor, one comfort zone. Yes, if you've traveled this blog at all, you know what I'm going to offer. And if you stop reading here, you've decided it's not good enough for you. But He is. There's a scripture in the Book of Colossians I use for my signature scripture because, although written thousands of years ago, it speaks so importantly to this world today.
See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ. (Colossians 2:8 NIV)
Jesus is the only answer to personally conquering and surviving the depravity of today's world just as He was when He came to earth as the God-man. He said, "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." (John 16:33 NIV)
He's the Redeemer, the Savior, the Light of the World. When you ask Him to forgive your sins and take over your life, He intends to guide you while you're here. When speaking to His Father, He prayed, "My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. As you sent them into the world, I have sent them into the world. . . ." (John 17:15-18 NIV)
You have a purpose while you're here. You're not built to be idly passing the time pursuing pleasure and lusts. You were given life and created for a specific reason even though you entered this world in corrupted flesh. It's a constant battle to seek out the right things to do over the wrong. Life is not easy for anyone even if it seems it is for some. Nothing minimizes the pain involved in experiencing trauma or tragedy. It simply means all things have meaning and can serve a divine purpose, even though unimaginable while happening.
Pain can be excruciating and unmanageable. Hurting inside or out, pain debilitates. Spiritual pain is often ignored and pacified with Band-Aids with no effort to get at the root of it. Doctors do multiple tests to determine the source of the patient's pain in order to treat it properly. Spiritual pain can only be healed by the Great Physician Jesus Christ. His heart surgery is painless and heals without physical scars. Jesus is the only way to freedom for the aching soul.
But it's always your choice. Your choice won't change who He is or the truth of what He offers. He offers healing from the spiritual pain and help through the rest of the world's pain.
God, help us all. We're desperate for you whether we know it or not. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.