9-11-2022

Good Morning All,

      Philippians 4:8; “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” 

    It has been a running statement by many people. “The country is going in the wrong direction.” “Everything is going haywire.” “The best is behind us; it is all downhill now.” There seems to be a tremendous sense of pessimism among a huge share of the US population, perhaps, the entire world. Why is this? While some would argue that it is truly worse, I am not sure it is really any worse now than other times in history. To quote a phrase, there have been “wars and rumors of wars, nation rising against nation” forever. So why so much angst and hand wringing today.

    One factor is that we are completely inundated with information today. We are almost at sensory overload. There are dozens of news programs and dozens of pseudo-news programs on television and radio and then an almost innumerable number of voices on the internet. Many, want you to see “hidden, sinister enemies” “evil everywhere” and “people out to get you” at every turn. There may be reasons for the unbeliever to be despondent or depressed but we as believers should not be depressed, despondent or worried. We have Jesus winning for us.

    In the early history of the Church, believers struggled. They were small in number, had no political, societal, or economic power base. It was easy to be discouraged and see only the negative, sad, and painful. The Apostle Paul offered the Philippians some advice that would serve us today. Think about good things. Focus on the blessings that God showers on us all the time. Look up and see the joy of our loving Savior. The devil wants you to look down and see the dirt and the gloom and the darkness. Jesus invites us to see the light, to see the truth of our salvation with Him and the joy we can find in knowing that Jesus has overcome the world. It will not defeat us or destroy us. Even when it looks like evil is winning, when it appears that all is lost, the victory of Christ is still ours. The victory won on Calvary and revealed to the world with the empty tomb, cannot be undone. The victory is ours, never lose sight of this wondrous truth. God’s love for you is always good. The loving hand of a fellow believer is always commendable. The coming of faith is always honorable. These are all worthy to be thought of, sought after, and held close to our heart. These are the gifts and tools God gives to his beloved people to remain contented and hopeful. Focus on God’s good gifts and lift your eyes, your heart, and your spirit to see God’s love poured out upon you.

Father of all grace, you are the source of good gifts. Guide us by your Spirit to always see your grace poured out upon us. Help us to look up and see your mercy upon us. Lift our hearts and spirits, refresh us with your Word and sacrament that we may see you as our hope in these days, like all days, are empty and dreary without You. In the precious name of Jesus we pray, amen.

God’s Peace,

Pastor Bret