Musings

Somewhere in the world, there is someone who is filled with despair and distress. They are searching frantically for some semblance of peace from the events and environment in which they find themselves. Their hearts are longing for rest from the torrent of misfortune that beset them like a flood of water. They are struggling to stay afloat as the wind and the waves toss them to and fro like leaves on the surface of a rushing stream. The song that fills their mind is not one of joy, but of misery and sorrow. The blues are an appropriate descriptor of their melody. Gloom and misery are their companions as they look furtively for a glimmer of hope.

I can imagine that the people of God who lived in our world about two thousand years ago were feeling the very same way. While there were no bombs exploding around them, they probably felt that their world was in a shambles. Their cry was for relief from the troubles that had haunted their existence for so long. They listened for a word from the God that they had turned away from to chase after their own whims. His voice had been silent for far too long for them to have joy in their hearts.

Yet, into the darkness of their lives, a bright light appeared. Fear crowded its way into their hearts next to the despair that was already there. What now? It was the soothing voice of the messenger of God that quashed their fears. The message was of good tidings and a declaration of great joy. Their cries had been heard, and God had sent relief. A Savior had been born in the city of David. They were given specific instructions to follow and things to look for as they sought the one they had long awaited.

Joy is a challenge again as we look at our world. Life seems to have little value and love has truly become elusive. While some are hoarding blessings, others are searching for crumbs of sustenance. Economic troubles are worldwide. No place is a haven from the threat of maniacal humanbeings bent on changing the world to their ideology. Those who are charged with protecting the innocent are guilty of inflicting hurt and pain upon the unwary. Those who are willing to survive on the least of possessions find it difficult to make ends meet. Again, there is a need for the Lord to intervene and interject some hope into the hearts of His people.

Dear Father in Heaven, we need the manifestation of your presence so that there may be some joy in the world for those who trust in you. Please come quickly.