We Christians have this tendency to look at the plans of this ungodly world and then quickly jump to despair.  Have you been there?  If not yet, I suspect in the months ahead you will.  Nations at war. Regimes tottering. Divisions abound. When we look at all the evil in the world, as well as all the grandiose, chaotic plans of the world, we can easily conclude that the church is about to go to ruin and that ungodliness is about to take over everything.  We say to one another, “I have never seen it this bad before.” Or, “It is getting really bad out there.  I worry for my grandchildren.” 
 
We indeed look at the world with its evil plans and can easily be given to doom and gloom.  The prophetic words of Isaiah are just as relevant now as they were when he first penned them, “[those who] call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter!” (5:20)  We see the empty pews, we hear the great plans of human leaders, and we see the rampant evil in the world and conclude that everything is going to hell in a handbasket.  But lest we drop too far off into the pit of despair, we must remember that God is still in control. 
 
It is imperative that we guard ourselves from being tempted to naively believing in the world’s greatness.  Or to say it another way, don’t give this fallen world too much credit. Do not be so easily deceived into believing that the world has the corner market on being all-knowing, all-present, and all-powerful.  The Lord has told us not to put our faith in the princes and presidents of this world (Psalm 146).  After all, there is an expiration date on all who wield the sword in this world; the best-laid plans will perish with them. While the world operates with self-inflated arrogance and robust pride, we do well to remember that God runs the course of the universe.  It is His will that will come to fruition, His plans that will outlast the schemes of this world. Strange though it may seem to us at times, especially if we spend too much time watching the news, God is in charge.  In fact, looking at waywardness and paranoid fear of the ungodly, Psalm 2:4 declares, “But the one who rules in heaven laughs. The Lord scoffs at them.” God laughs at the futile, faith-less plans of this world.
 
So do not be frightened when you see the world enacting all its plans. Do not be discouraged in this politically divided climate.  Do not lose hope as the church is persecuted by the world.  The Lord is in control. He laughs at the world’s silly pride and will not only confound the world but will certainly sustain His church.  “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” (Jn 14:27-28a)
 
“When it looks like things are out of control, behind the scenes there is a God who hasn’t surrendered His authority.” (AW Tozer)
 
“When you accept the fact that sometimes seasons are dry and times are hard and that God is in control of both, you will discover a sense of divine refuge, because the hope then is in God and not in yourself.” (Charles Swindoll)


(H/T to Pastor Matt Richards for his inspirational sermon on Genesis 11.)

​My poor rose bush. It’s been a tough few weeks for it.  Of course, there’s been the lack of rain and excessive heat. But it has also been under attack by Japanese Beetles, cutworms, and something called black-spot fungus. (You'll never guess why it was given that name!?) 
 
When our rose bush is healthy, it is beautiful—speckled with colors of pinks, yellows, and orange.  But lately, the picturesque flowers have given way to an increased number of brown leaves and bare branches.  Between Amazon, Home Depot, and Wal-Mart we’ve thrown all kinds of powders and sprays at that poor plant.  Fortunately, after investing a good deal of time and money, we are nursing it back to health.  It will take some time yet before all the bugs are gone and fungus dissipates.  Nature may still throw another deflating obstacle our way (i.e. spotted lantern flies).  But slowly and surely, our roses will bloom full force again.
 
Aside from the oppressive heat, what’s been eating away at you lately?  What frustrating outside factors have caused your leaves to go brown?  Summer vacation plans that have been cancelled.  Unexpected cost of car repairs or the need for a new air conditioner.  Sickness and diagnosis of a loved one.  Sideline drama with another team parent or frustration with an estranged family member.
 
This is not an easy world to live in. Tough weeks come for more than just rose bushes. We know this to be true. But so does our Heavenly Father, which is why His word is ever-present to encourage and comfort us.  An underlying theme of our most recent Sunday morning psalms have called us to perseverance and trust in the midst of life’s moments that are more burdensome than beautiful. For example, in Psalm 30:1-2 we read, “I will extol you, O Lord, for you have drawn me up and have not let my foes rejoice over me. O Lord my God, I cried to you for help, and you have healed me.”  Or in Psalm 34:8 which declares, “Our help is in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth.”  We may not be bombarded by beetles and bugs, but nevertheless we do feel the weight of the perpetual brokenness of this world.  Thanks be to God, that our help is in Him.  He comes to our rescue, not with magic powders or quick-fix sprays, but with the blood of our Savior that flowed from the cross.  No more wilting. He gives us His word and the love of Jesus to nurse us back to health—physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
 
“I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in his word I hope.” (Psalm 130:5)
 
“It is only when you reach the very bottom, when everything falls apart, when all your schemes and resources are broken and exhausted, that you are finally open to learn how to completely depend on God.” (Tim Keller)