We live in a country where we cannot fault one thing or one person for the nation’s wrongs, despite attempting to do so. Far-left or far-right views weaken our ability to think straight. When our primary focus is to blame rather than join resources to implement solutions, we remain in a cycle of blindness.
“An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind.” – Mahatma Gandhi
There are many factors at play for the current condition of our country: loss of respect for the elderly and authority, mental health issues, economic discrepancies, family fractures, prejudices, divisive policies, social media biases and bullying, disregard for self and others, entitlement syndrome, health and safety concerns, expenses, accountability, and lack of morals. (And this is just a sampling.)
We live in a dying world and expect a life worth living — what a conundrum.
And yet, we still give birth and mourn death. We cling to hope and celebrate everything from good report cards to retirement. Women dab perfume behind their ears while their lovers whisper dreams into their imaginations. Yes, despite the ugliness of the world, we still dream. We still desire. We still believe that some shred of goodness is left — something worthy remains.
The problem is people often attach themselves to the temporary and decorate their walls with accolades, keepsakes, and pictures of fond memories. When fortune betrays them, they build different walls — walls made of mistrust, resentment, fear, and doubt. As days turn into years, these walls become hardened by embittered hearts. Decorations turn into declarations that display separation rather than celebration: “Stay away,” “I don’t trust you,” “You only want something from me,” or “You’ll never understand.”
We are as durable as the foundation we live upon — as resilient as our willingness to stand firm, steady, and ready to live for what is eternal rather than temporal. We WILL be shaken to our core, and our strength will not be enough to remain steady. Our personal pursuit of peace cannot withstand the wiles of weariness and war, both internal and external.
Finding lasting peace in this world is like being given a perfectly cut key made of paper — it looks like it should work, but it will never open the door. Why? Because doors of peace are not opened by perception, power, plenitude, or persuasion. No. Doors of peace are open by asking, seeking, and knocking with persistent patience and humility.
“‘Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you’” (Matthew 7:7).
Be careful of which door you spend your energy knocking upon. The door of worldly acceptance, health, wealth, love, and power is as temporary as the paper key. But the door of Christ’s faithfulness, promises, understanding, joy, comfort and purpose is as solid as the rock we stand upon (obedience and trust in Christ Jesus). Like the old hymn says, “On Christ the solid rock I stand. All other ground is sinking sand.”
What are some of the promises of peace that we can hold onto in a suffering world?
“‘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).
“Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you” (2 Thessalonians 3:16).
“‘Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid’” (John 14:27).
“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7).
In a country where we add to our suffering by being indifferent and intolerant rather than empathetic and encouraging, we often become bent in our thinking. But I recall a pastor once saying, “God can use even bent sticks to draw straight lines.”
May we come before God today with our imperfections, hopes, fears, doubts, dreams, walls, and weariness. Ask. Seek. Knock. Remain steadfast in faith and stand upon the rock as you traverse this rocky world. God has you. God is for you. God is with you.
Tiffany Kaye Chartier
SGLY, dear reader.
(Smile, God Loves You.)
Tiffany Kaye Chartier, Author 