Disturbed

"Draw near to God and he will draw near to you," James 4:8.

As the old hymn reviews it: My foes are ever near me, around me, and within. Indeed, troubles arise in this worn-out world from every quarter. Seeking to accommodate for the world's deceitful benefits only brings more strife. Seeking to satisfy one's passions only increases quarrels. Trouble is, the battle begins within one's own arrogant soul and spills out into fights with other people - who seek the same unfulfilling pride. These friendships with the world find frustration and despair. It's the devil's work. And it's enmity with God. So. Rather than to accommodate and to satisfy and to arrogate, we resist the devil, who then flees from us. And humbly we draw near to God who lifts us up into the peace of his closeness.

We speak with a brother or sister, today, of God's love, of God's call on our hearts. We are kindled to draw near to him. And, together, we give thanks for the serenity he brings through Jesus into this disturbed world.