Well, Here We Are

Well, here we are, slipping into November. Wow! The year’s almost gone. If lasting impressions were the only way we would remember October, it was a very stormy month;
indeed, we even had to keep an eye on the river. However, there were some lovely classic fall days mixed in, and it is those we must leave in our memories.
More to the point, we now are looking forward. How will the month of November be remembered? In these uncertain times, politically, economically, as well as weather-wise, there is an edge of uneasiness for many. Our health, and the pandemic – the latter, hopefully, fading away – is an added stress for many.
All of this can lead one to approach the future – and remember the past – with a degree of optimism or a cloud of pessimism. Which can influence our entire mood, even as we begin each new day. As Christians, we are encouraged to keep a hopeful and positive outlook, even when bad things are happening.
But how can we do this? For starters, it’s necessary to separate the incoming news – is it something we can do nothing about, e.g. the depressing and/or infuriating news that flows into our world through the TV or internet, or can we at least have a tranquil start to anything that lies in our future. We are told in the Scriptures to pray for those in authority, and so we should. We can vote on Election Day. And that, for most of us, is the extent we can change political things through our own efforts. Economically, we can spend our money wisely, and sometimes, when necessary, sacrificially. We can use good sense when we’re in good health, and respect good medical advice when we must. We can only look on in awe or joy whatever weather comes our way.
So does this leave us more or less helpless? If we spend any time in the Scriptures,
we’ll come to realize that there are multiple times when we are given the most reassuring advice
of all: Trust in the Lord. We all remember the turbulent times King David experienced. Perhaps
it would do all Christians well to start each day as he did       “Let the morning bring me word of your
unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you” Psalm 143:8                                                                          Virginia                                                                                                                                                                                                            The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble.He cares for those who trust in him… Nahum 1:7