Our world is changing rapidly. Pandemic fears rise and fall, depending on news reports, unemployment statistics, and confusing instructions. So many respond to our culture and all that is happening to Christian values in our world today that I rarely add my thoughts. But there are times when silence prayerfully begs for a voice.
In those moments, often the best way I can write is through a poem. Whether you’re a parent, a husband, a wife, or simply a concerned follower of Jesus, I hope these words will encourage you.
When the World You’ve Known Keeps Changing
By
Rebecca Barlow Jordan
When the world you’ve known keeps changing,
how do you respond?
How do you protect the values—
the ones that have made you strong?
When pandemic fears keep raging,
edging “normal” out,
where do you go for comfort?
How do you ease new doubts?
A country, loosed from its moorings,
a marriage stripped of its name;
a family split by a culture,
and no one knows who to blame.
A child, confused by the babble,
struggling alone to find hope,
while voices rage ‘tween the anthems,
searching for a way to cope.
When right is wrong, and wrong is right,
you cringe and wonder why,
And how, on earth, did it come to this?
You bow your head and sigh.
When evil now runs rampant,
and good is trampled down,
not just in our nation,
but in the world around,
what will you do; what should you do?
Can answers still be found?
You start by looking to Jesus,
our Counselor and our Guide.
You love by His example,
with arms open wide.
You keep on being faithful,
because others are watching you.
You exercise integrity,
no matter what you do.
You live your values constantly
wherever you may be.
You hold God’s Word in honor
and speak it truthfully.
You share of His amazing grace,
with sweet humility,
and ask for His forgiveness,
for not letting others see
the light of Jesus shining
through your life actively.
You pray, always praying,
that the Truth will still be found,
and that God will give you wisdom
to build up and not tear down.
You pray for God to intervene
for healing in our land,
while exercising kindness,
reaching out a helping hand.
You stand for what you know is right,
not giving hate a door;
refraining from reacting, knowing
love can say much more.
You wear a smile upon your face,
and live each day adorned with grace.
You teach your children every place
they walk is sacred ground.
You share that some things haven’t changed,
that values can’t be rearranged,
that every heart can be deranged—
without our Jesus—now;
and then you stop, look,
and listen
to the truth that sets us free:
Jesus is still the same yesterday, today, and forever.
And you set your sights above on Home,
the joy that is to come,
where every knee will bow before
the throne, the only One.
He’s not surprised by what you see
or hear on any day,
He’s always known the hearts of man—
and He’s still the only Way!
Jesus answered, ” I am the Way, and the Truth, and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6, NIV).
“But blessed are those who trust in the LORD and have made the LORD their hope and confidence” (Jeremiah 17:7 NLT).
“I the LORD do not change” (Malachi 3:6 NIV).
My Personal Prayer for You
Lord, our world is changing faster than we can catch up. Keep us grounded in the things we know are right according to Your Word and Your truth. You have promised to meet every need, and sometimes you use others to do that. We want to be generous in giving as well. When we’re confused about the direction we should go, give us the assurance and the wisdom for our future.
We look to You for our daily bread–whatever provision You decide is necessary and good for us. Guard us from complaining and pointing blame at others or at conditions we see all around us. Instead, fill us with purpose, love, kindness, and determination to press on no matter what happens to us or around us. You are our only Hope. And You still want to fill our hearts with joy, confidence, and assurance. Our eyes are on You, Lord.
Day-votedly Yours,
Rebecca
It’s Your Turn
How do you respond to the changes in your world? How is the pandemic affecting you? What is the most difficult change you are dealing with right now? I’d love to hear from you anytime. You can always write me through my contact page and fill out the basic name and address info; then the email will come to me. Your name or info will never be shared with anyone without your permission.
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