Greg Chandler
10/10/16
“We have breaking news…” In the age of 24 hour news, people hear these words on a regular basis. In an attempt to gain and retain viewership, these networks scour the planet for the latest “scoop;” upon finding “news,” the story is aired continually throughout the day and, if interesting enough, continued several days on end. It is no wonder that the American people seem to have a “Chicken Little” complex, believing that the sky is soon to fall. Despite the fallacies often produced by viewer hungry networks, the early 21st century really is a frightening place. As in ages past, wars are fought, racial conflicts flare, political systems totter, and, to borrow the words of the infamous Leon Trotsky, nations march toward “the dustbin of history.” Depressing? For a Christian, depression need not be the automatic response. There is a better way.
In the closing verses of the book of Proverbs, Lady Wisdom makes her final appearance as “the virtuous woman.” As the inspired text lauds here intellect, thrift, work ethic, and love, her outlook toward the future is revealed: “And she laughs at the time to come” (Proverbs 31:25b). She stands in stark contrast to the woman Solomon warns his son to avoid: “It is better to live in a desert land than with a quarrelsome and fretful wife” (21:19). Weakness abounds in the one who frets over the future; strength avails in the one who looks toward the unknown with boldness. What marks the difference in these two individuals? To answer this question, it is necessary to review Lady Wisdom’s earlier speeches within the book. As she calls out to those who will listen, she explains why she is worthy to follow: “I walk in the way of righteousness, in the paths of justice, granting an inheritance to those who love me, and filling their treasuries” (8:20-21). Through her counsel, therefore, one can find the key to successfully navigating this life and bravely looking toward the future.
Lady Wisdom, of course, is a cleverly inspired metaphor for the wisdom provided by God. Through this personification, He teaches how that His words cry out to a people in need of direction and provide comfort for those who will listen. These words that led to boldness in the days of Solomon are still as bold in the 21st century. These words teach how saints of any era can laugh at times to come; the Bible abounds with examples.
The prophet Isaiah sought to inspire a confident outlook toward the future. Though much of his book details the “doom and gloom” that comes to any people who sell themselves to sin, those who remained faithful were given words of hope: “But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint” (40:31). These people, like people of all ages, faced an uncertain future; they would be forced to deal with God’s judgment on the nation at the hands of the Babylonians. Still, they could laugh at times to come because God promised strength to those who would not abandon Him when the way looked difficult.
The prophet Jeremiah wrote to those who were exiled due to the Babylonian captivity. In the midst of their uncertain present, God promised a bright future: “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope” (29:11). Despite the desperation of the present, God promised that He had not forgotten His faithful. Though they suffered as the wicked suffered, God made it certain to them that there were better times in the future; they could laugh at these times to come.
To comfort New Testament saints, the apostle John promised a bright future. Though they faced suffering and persecution as those of past generations, hope could still abound: “Beloved, we are God's children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is. And everyone who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure” (I John 3:2-3). Neither the lashes of a Roman whip, nor the threat of violent death could rob these saints of their hope; God had given them reason to laugh.
The Lord has given all of His people reason for hope. With that said, it does not mean that the moral degradation of society should be dismissed by Christians. It does not mean that “true” people of God will never have concerns about the direction of their government. It does not mean that they are not saddened over a worsening condition of the world about them. It does mean, however, that they are never given to despair; their lives will never reflect one who is defeated and simply tossed about on waves of doubt. Instead, they will resolutely stand with God and confidently speak the words of the psalmist, when he stated, “ The Lord is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me?” (118:6) This confidence is not for the atheist, the spiritually weak, nor the spiritually apathetic; it is for the one who has determined to trust God no matter what the present may hold or the future appear to promise.
Are you depressed over the world around you? Are you fearful over what may happen to you in the coming years? Do you spend more time worrying about the unknown than rejoicing in the All-Knowing? If so, it is time for a change of course. These warning signs demonstrate a weakness of faith that must be corrected if, indeed, you will come to know “the peace that passes all understanding.” God has not promised peace in this life; in fact, He has stated that difficulties will come. He has, however, promised a time to come when peace will reign uninterrupted by sickness, tragedy, evil, and death. When this grand outlook is in focus, one can truly laugh at times to come.
Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. John 14:1-3