Simplicity in the Complexity

Author's note: I wrote this about 7 months ago or so:

Here I sit, coughing, nose stuffy, listening to one of Selah’s African hymns come from the guestroom where Jed and Will are playing it for the thousandth time this week. From the family room I can hear a news network chatting about the economy and the stimulus bill, for the thousandth time this week. I can’t comprehend the magnitude of what’s going on, nor can I foresee the future. But I have a small inkling that this is going to change things for the worse. At least, that’s what some are saying…

…The little boys are re-playing the Selah song. Now Dad is talking to Mom on the phone about the big boy’s basketball tourney in Helena. I wonder in a few months from now where we will be. Things are always changing, but with what is happening nationally, the change is bound to be more ramifying. But in the midst of all this, somehow, I am not afraid. Maybe I don’t know enough to be afraid. I’ve heard of rumors of decadence like this nation has never known before. And I know things are much more complicated than that…

…Now Jed is crying, because he got in trouble for making Will cry. He wrecked one of Will’s creations. Now Will has stopped crying and moved on. I think these times bring us to the point of release. We must let go. Of course I want God’s blessing on our nation, but sometimes nations get stiff-necked and won’t acknowledge God. And that is one of the worst things they can do. Sometimes God gives people over to their selfish desires. That’s scary. But as God’s children and products of His grace, He is looking out for us even now. And sometimes He requires that we let go of what we never owned so He can give us the only thing we really desire…Himself. Seek Him and He promises we will find Him. Ask for wisdom and He promises to give it. Obey Him and He promises to bless. Disobey, and He promises to curse. Maybe it’s not that complicated after all…

…Now I hear Little House on the Prairie playing in the next room. Some things never change. And in times like these, where the economy is warping, money is vaporizing, and the high places are thoroughly corrupt, the Rock is firmer than ever. He never changes. He helps us stand firm and let go of things He is shaking, the idols of this age (personal peace and affluence), to show us what He is giving us that is unshakable: His kingdom come. I pray He will give us wisdom to act out of courage not fear, to plan strategically for future generations, and that through us He would glorify His name, revive our lands, and let peace and righteousness kiss. He has the whole world in His hands, even this house on the prairie. And now I think I’ll go cuddle up on the couch with my sibs, have some hot tea, and watch Little House, the sum of which never cease to be a great comfort to a stuffy nose and ticklish throat.

"I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. Therefore choose life, that you and your offspring may live." -Deut. 30:19

"For if they did not escape when they refused him who warned them on earth, much less will we escape if we reject him who warns from heaven. At that time his voice shook the earth, but now he has promised, "Yet once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heavens." This phrase, "Yet once more," indicates the removal of things that are shaken—that is, things that have been made—in order that the things that cannot be shaken may remain. Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire." -Hebrews 12:25-29

Author's note: Guess what? 7 months later, nothing has really changed. :)