Now there’s a blast from the past! My younger readers may have never heard of this song, but it was one that could become an ear worm, of sorts, back in 1977. Pretty catchy, but not tons of depth. If you’re interested, check it out here for your listening pleasure!
The premise, of course, is that we are not promised a life that’s epitomized by a lovely rose garden, especially in the world of romance. That’s not breaking news to anyone living in this crazy world right now. So many of my conversations with friends lately include a groaning about what we’re witnessing around us locally and throughout the world.
We see incredible destruction from fires, floods, mudslides, heavy snow, heavy rain, tornados, and any other “natural” disaster you can name. Nothing about these feels natural in any sense.
Add to this the worldwide turbulence represented by numerous wars, political unrest, violence and a full spectrum of hurtful “isms” and it can certainly result in a heavy dose of discouragement, despair and even depression.
This isn’t the first time I’ve written about the condition of our world – and it probably won’t be the last. And there’s a reason for that. We are not promised a rose garden here.
So let’s talk about the biblical equivalent of that 70s song. I’d like to highlight what I think is critical to surviving in our culture today.
Perspective.
Without going into a million examples, we all know that the perspective we have on our circumstances can mean the difference between night and day.
Word of warning – these next scripture texts, while 100% true and biblical and God-inspired, may not give you the warm fuzzy you’re looking for. But please hang in there with me!
“Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial
when it comes upon you to test you,
as though something strange were happening to you.
But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings,
that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.
1 Peter 4:12-13
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace.
In this world you will have trouble.
But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
John 16:33
Yes, it’s clear from these two texts that we are to expect fiery trials and troubles. In and of itself, that doesn’t seem very comforting, does it? So, just what is the purpose behind these texts?
I can’t know all that God intended here, but it’s clear that he is preparing us for the reality of living in this broken world. He is providing us with a new perspective, not to discourage us, but to give us a proper context in which to view these troubles.
Let me use our recent January snow dump as an example. The local weather people here in Des Moines warned us for days that we would be getting significant snowfall. Consequently, most of us made sure our shovels and snowblowers were operational. We made the mandatory trip to the grocery store for the necessities. And we cancelled any obligations that would take us out into this storm.
So when 22.3 inches landed here in a 5-day period, we weren’t surprised by it. Definitely didn’t like it, but we knew it was coming. We also knew that one day it would all melt away.
This is the perfect situation to apply the old saying, “Forewarned is forearmed.” Those of us who know that something is coming are better prepared to face it than those who don’t.
How can we apply this to our two “dooms day-ish” texts from above? We don’t have to look far to find the answer. It’s found in the second part of each text.
“…that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.”
“But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
That’s the heart of how we prepare (forearm) ourselves for what lies ahead. We know that Jesus has already overcome these troubles, and in the end (and even through the trial), we can see God’s glory. So it is hope and assurance that forearms us to head into these promised sufferings, because we know how the story ends.
And if I could take a little liberty with the intent of our title song, I would say that we are very much promised a rose garden. One tainted with thorns in this life, but bursting with glorious color and beauty in the next.
I pray this perspective helps you view the turmoil around you differently, and weather the next storm headed your way with a greater trust in the one who can calm the waves.
The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble;
he knows those who take refuge in him.
Nahum 1:7
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