If you are like me, during the last two weeks you’ve felt like our national troubles have doubled. From COVID-19 anxieties and grief, to financial and employment disruption, now to an eruption of awareness of systemic injustices, there is a sense of being overwhelmed by the “slings and arrows of outrageous fortune.”

Even so, the person of faith, the Christ follower is ever seeking through prayer and scripture and the community of believers, a way forward and through these troubling times. There are as many opinions as there are people! Yet, the person of faith will always seek guidance from our primary sources of scripture, Church tradition, God-given reason, and personal experience. These should shape our opinions more than just what we read and hear from various social media.

Here are some scripture passages regarding “wise behavior” that you might meditate upon when your news and media sources leave you perplexed, frustrated or even fearful and angry. Chew upon these and let them “digest” and spiritually nurture your concerns.

•Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed. Proverbs 15:22, NIV

•Don’t quarrel with anyone. Be at peace with everyone, just as much as possible. Romans 12:18, TLB

•Steer clear of foolish discussions which lead people into the sin of anger with each other. 2 Timothy 2:16, TLB

•Don’t refuse to accept criticism; get all the help you can. Proverbs 23:12 TLB

•O mortal, the Lord has told each of you what is good and what it is the Lord requires of you: to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God. Micah 6:8 NIV

Read and meditate upon these passages. And afterwards, we might also do well in contacting our various governmental authorities and representatives (local, state, national) encouraging them with your prayers and asking for their knowledge and experience and wisdom to be applied justly to the times we are living in.

Peace and grace to you in these trying times~~~~†

Pastor Barry