Uncertain times. Would you consider the days we live in uncertain times?

I watch the news, sometimes … if you’ve been following this blog for any length of time, you know that I encourage you in uncertain times to back away from that 24-hour news cycle. It will work on you. It will diminish your soul.

These may be uncertain times but, like the author of  Ecclesiastes said, there is nothing new under the sun. Things are bad. They’ve been bad before. Are things the worst they’ve ever been? Immerse yourself in current media, and yep, you’ll be persuaded that these days are ushering us toward the Apocalypse. Maybe, maybe not. Every generation in Christian history feels like it’s the last.

So what can you do to guard your heart in uncertain times? How can you keep from gradually losing your mind? I mean – you have responsibilities to your family, your classmates, your co-workers, your church to stay sane. You aren’t done here yet.

Still – when the media keeps using terms like “historic,” “unprecedented,” “never before seen,” then you start to believe it.

I’m tempted to go through a little history lesson. I’m a history geek, and I’m wary of inflicting that on others who aren’t as fascinated as I am, so I have to curb my enthusiasm. I will, though, touch on something from World War II – actually, it’s just a quote from the great C.S. Lewis, written in 1939. Check this out:

The war creates no absolutely new situation: it simply aggravates the permanent human situation so that we can no longer ignore it.

I mean.

This is quite the thought. What is happening in these days isn’t really all that different from what happened a month ago, a year ago, a hundred years ago, or a thousand years ago. People have been the same all these years – flawed, struggling, and messed-up in general. So, our world has those same traits.

I don’t mind using Lewis’ quote because it’s timeless and true. It’s tempting to think that today’s world is unique, and in many ways it is. But the universal thread running through these uncertain times is that every generation, every people group, is in needs of God’s mercy.

Here’s some ancient script, from James 2:13:

… because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment.

We all, no matter what is going on in our lives internally or externally, are in need of the mercy of God. There are times when we can cruise through life and not give much thought to this. Then there are those times when we are absolutely laid low and have to confront just how puny and frail we are.

When we look at the needs around us in uncertain times, we are even more aware of the need for mercy for all. God offers that to everyone – but we can’t just wish it on others. They have to ask for it.

What this kind of divine mercy does is that it brings about amazing change. It’s transformational. It moves the frightened to a place of strength. It gives hope to the hopeless. And it moves us from being selfish little clods to a place of sacrificial giving. Cool.

If you’re afraid, then, and face those moments of overwhelm, here’s some good stuff.

This courage I’m talking about – that courage that is so needed in uncertain times – is available. You do have to ask, of course. The trick, I think, comes in our willingness to step outside our miserable little selves and do something for someone else.

If all you do is look out for yourself; if you immerse yourself in your own needs to the neglect of others – you are going to continue to cower in fear and be messed up in general. I’m not saying I’m immune to this. I kinda like me. I’m pretty special to myself. But I view that as a sign of personal immaturity.

When you start letting these uncertain times keep your from thinking about the needs of your neighbor, you’ll be even that more uncertain because you are trapped in your bubble. Maybe it’s time to think of the good of others and the needs of those who are hurting. Not at the total sacrifice of your own self-care, obviously – you just can’t make it all about you all the time.

Believer, that’s what we signed up for.

Here’s some action points. Take ’em or leave ’em. I’m preaching to myself; I’m just letting you listen in.

• Your bank account looking grim? Give generously to your church.
• Afraid of getting sick? Spend some time helping some vulnerable people around you. I just bet there’s someone in the nursing home who’d love a visit.
• The news got you down and depressed? Shut yourself off from it for a season, and instead read or watch something wholesome and encouraging. Your Bible might not be a bad choice.
• Do you have negative friends who try your soul? Love ’em, but don’t submit yourself to their whining and complaining. Never, ever, ever let them bring you down.
• You know that friend on social media who posts stuff and you think “are you nuts?” Again, guard yourself. Keep scrolling. You won’t change their minds with your brilliance and research. Your experts can probably beat up their experts, anyway. It genuinely isn’t worth it.
• Finally, cultivate a life of wisdom. That doesn’t mean just being smart. It means you are going to seek God first and ask Him for that wisdom. In this season, you’re going to need it. I’m not seeing much wisdom being deployed. Pretend like sharing wisdom is all up to y0u.

Uncertain times call for those who can be certain of God. It’s a daily dependence on Him for all things, big and little. Be certain for the sake of others. People need to see that your anchor holds.

Be an agent of His love.

Talk later!