By Nancy Virden (c)2024
Political structures will disappoint you because they are designed and operated by fallible people. Politicians, judges, and Presidents fail to keep promises and hold to their promoted ideals. They can miss opportunities to act fairly or honestly.
Some have made Donald Trump out to be our last hope; others have decided Kamala Harris is the only answer. This division is slicing families in half and ending friendships. Both sides are missing the point. These two humans will let us down in one way or another. An old song says, “All else is sinking sand.” It names Christ as the rock upon which we stand. “All else” includes politicians and political structures.
Much mental distress is because we put our trust in flawed people. Bosses, spouses, parents, siblings, friends; betrayal, abuses, lies, desertion, control; and fear of loss drive our decisions and thoughts. We know from experience three options that have predictable consequences.
Make a god; lose a god. Because we believe one person holds the answer to our needs, we place them on a pedestal from which they will certainly fall. Likelihood too is that we will turn on them in anger when they fail. Jesus Christ as our rock means placing trust in the true God. God is love and love never fails. He does not operate according to our demands, but is with us and “causes everything to work together for the good of those who love [Him] and are called according to his purpose for them” (Romans 8:28).
Plant your hope; lose hope. Reason warns us that hope must be placed on something solid, unlike sand. One person will not have enough energy and wisdom to manage his life and meet our expectations. This no-win can destroy all hope. Jesus Christ as our rock means planting our feet on God’s unwavering holiness. “For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever (2 Corinthians 4:17)!
Force peace; lose peace. Going along with an agenda with which you struggle, forcing peace into a volatile situation, will leave you feeling lost, frustrated, and stressed. Jesus Christ as our rock means experiencing peace while standing for what is right, facing threats of losing all. “…You may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world”-Jesus (John 16:33).
-COMMENTS WELCOME
Today’s Helpful Word
You are my refuge and my shield; your word is my source of hope.
If you are feeling suicidal, or concerned about someone who is, in the U.S. call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988, or for a list of international suicide hotlines, go here.
If you are suicidal with a plan, immediately call 911 in the U.S. or go to your nearest emergency room. In the EU call 112. (For other international emergency numbers, go here ). Hope and help are yours!
Always the Fight Ministries (ATFM) has been displaying compassion for those fighting mental illness, addiction, or abuse since 2012. Nancy is the founder and voice of ATFM and openly shares her emotional resurrection from despair. NOTE: Nancy is not a doctor or a mental health professional, and speaks only from personal experience and observations. In no way is this website intended to substitute for professional mental or behavioral health care.
HOLY BIBLE, NEW LIVING TRANSLATION, COPYRIGHT © 1996, 2004, 2015 BY TYNDALE HOUSE FOUNDATION. USED BY PERMISSION OF TYNDALE HOUSE PUBLISHERS, INC., CAROL STREAM, ILLINOIS 60188, PER BIBLE GATEWAY. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. RETRIEVED FROM HTTPS://WWW.BIBLEGATEWAY.COM/
Always the Fight 