Here We Go Again!

“Whether the cloud stayed over the tabernacle for two days or a month or a year, the Israelites would remain in camp and not set out; but when it lifted, they would set out.” ~ Numbers 9:22
  
    It is a hot and steamy time of year for many of us in the midwest. Temperatures in the 90s, high humidity, thick haze, and pop-up thunderstorms occur daily, sometimes for several weeks. Mariners in tall ships used to call these times “the doldrums.” I remember another spell of the doldrums many years ago that finally broke in early September. Most of the nation awakened to deep blue skies and crisp autumnal temperatures. It was so refreshing that I considered riding my bicycle to the church for a change. But then, everything screeched to a stop. It was like the dissonant scratch of the needle on an LP record. It was the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. 
    The U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan and the return of Taliban rule is a bitter reminder to those who vividly remember “9-11” twenty years later. As a result, there is a temptation to sigh and surrender to hopelessness, saying, “Here we go again!” And then, there’s the pandemic. But, unfortunately, it too feels like version two-point-oh (as in oh-no!) all over again. Even though we all knew the pandemic wasn’t over, we lived like it was for several months and, “Here we go again!” Likewise, the latest presidential election saw a transition from one man that half of America despised to another man that half of America despises. “Here we go again!” 
So, on this hot, hazy August morning, I am once again asking the LORD to give me His Word for you when encouragement is needed, again. The story of the Israelites in the wilderness came to mind. They left behind a situation they did not like but soon discovered that it was predictable and comfortable in its own bitter way. Over time, the vast majority of the freed slaves would die off because they could not adapt and overcome their old nature. When the shrinking remnant retired at night, they would look to the pillar of cloud and fire, hoping it would not move again since there was so much work, wining, and adaptation associated with following the LORD. When they awakened in the morning, they did not look to the rising sun before they looked to the pillar. As the people of God went about their daily chores, they routinely looked to the LORD’s glory. Sooner or later, “Here we go again!” would be the collective groan. 
   My favorite catchphrase, or hashtag, from Jesus in the excellent television series “The Chosen” is when Jesus said, “Get used to different.” I feel like God said something like that to Moses and the other leaders of the Israelites in the wilderness. So, humbly now, I’ll add one of my hashtagables here and say, “Comfort kills.” We grumble against change when we crave comfort. Therefore, it is literally and figuratively deadly to remain sedentary when it’s time for a shift. When comfort is more important than discipline, we quickly fail to see the LORD’s movement and forget to follow. The LORD’s natural mercy and grace do not preclude His loving discipline. After all, each “Here we go again” moment is an opportunity to express faith and devotion to the LORD, even if it’s out of desperation. 
  When we say, “Here we go again.” let the primary person in the “we” be the LORD. Perhaps you can even say, “LORD, here we go again,” and it will be the beginning of a prayer. I’ll close with an example. LORD, here we go again. We’ve risked getting comfortable, and now You’re on the move again. We are tempted to join the people of the flesh who incessantly complain and blame. They burrow deeply into the dark hole of negativity, and we feel like we are slipping into it with them. Please, strengthen our spirits and help us to “Get used to different.” Amen. 
   
Frank Viola’s latest book, “What to Do When Your Dreams Are Shattered, and Life Is Falling Apart,” is an outstanding resource for these times. If your anxiety is multiplied exponentially by extraordinary difficulties that threaten to break you, this book will help. There is hope and practical guidance for Christians and non-Christians in Frank’s easy-to-read or listen-to book. His casual delivery feels like a friendly conversation over coffee. The truths are undeniable and delivered with love and grace. This book can change lives, even if only half of its content is absorbed. Check it out. https://rb.gy/aekd8u