What's on Your Mind?
CBN.com - What is on your mind? Seriously, what are you thinking about these days? Seldom does a columnist turn the tables and ask readers what is on their mind. Usually, you are forced to read a lone pundit’s point of view on topics ranging from nuclear disarmament to the war on terrorism to the great American gridlock on our nation’s highways … or in this column's case, a detailed exposition of my hair. But occasionally, we in the writing profession want to find out what America is really thinking. So, without further adieu, I took to the streets, my email inbox, and various co-workers scattered in between to find out just what it is that has people concerned.
One would think that standing at the forefront of any discussion would be the impending presidential election on November 2nd. After all, according to one political camp it is all about the wrong war in the wrong place at the wrong time. But maybe, just maybe, if we pass the “global test” there will be no reason to flip flop. I have no idea what this means. I just thought it would be fun to incorporate some buzz words from the current presidential election cycle that have no coherent value or cultural relevance to the framework of this article.
Still others are concerned about the fate of a certain baseball team that has not won a world championship since 1918. For all the pre-series posturing that has littered this year’s American League play-offs, it has become abundantly clear in recent days that the Boston Red Sox are nothing more than the junior varsity to the New York Yankees varsity. As a Red Sox fan, the previous sentence is painful to write, but abundantly true. I am growing weary of saying “Wait ‘til next year,” each and every October.
Seriously, while the presidential election will certainly play a pivotal role in determining the immediate future of this land, and long suffering Boston Red Sox fans will have to wait yet another year to cheer their team to another World Series championship, it is not what is on your mind.
What is on your mind is really quite sobering. Despite all of the hype and hysteria that is swirling throughout out all facets of the news media these days, people are much more concerned about what is happening in their own households.
How about a six year old who keeps her parents up all night because she is afraid of the dark? Bob and Lisa know their little girl will grow out of it but for the time being they feel like walking, talking zombies due to their sleep deprivation.
If you are like Glenda you have recently been in a tension filled argument in the workplace with your supervisor. Several hurtful accusations were made, some highly personal. Glenda is so angry that she is considering leaving her job despite 17 years of faithful service with the company.
Due to some irresponsible financial decisions Kevin and Tracy may be forced to sell their house. They realize the error of their ways but it might be too late. If they are unable to come up with roughly $10,000 by the end of the month their credit rating will be in tatters.
Despite a bachelor’s degree from a highly respected university, Lynette has been unable to secure employment in a field that she believes she has been called into. Graduation was in May and it is now October. She doesn’t know how much longer she can stand living with her parents. Call it personal pride, but Lynette does not want to be forced to find a job in the interim that only pays minimum wage.
Marcy and Peter married three years ago and decided to start a family immediately. They were blessed with the arrival of little Casey ten months ago. However, due to their meager savings and admitted lack of financial planning, Marcy has been forced back into the workplace. Unfortunately, her job demands that she work the night shift while Peter works days. The end result is a baby who really doesn’t know what it is like to have both parents together at the same time. Both Marcy and Peter feel like their relationship is becoming strained and a constant compromise. Unfortunately, they feel like there is nothing they can do about it. They must provide for their son.
The stories you have just read are every day problems that come with real life consequences. While some may seem trivial to you, they are all-consuming challenges to these folks. A day does not pass without each one of these people constantly thinking about how to relieve themselves of such burdens. A child’s desperate plea for help, a financial catastrophe, a marriage dissolving due to a lack of time spent together. Simply put, these are the real issues on the minds of many Americans just like you and me.
Help is on the way.
In each case, all of these people are fearful of what the future holds in one way or another. They are not alone. We all feel helpless and fearful about the future at one time or another. But in His Word, God has spoken directly about our needs. He has told us not to worry about tomorrow.
In I Peter 5:6-7, the apostle Peter writes, “Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.”
Peter reminds us that recognition of God through our trials and tribulations counts for more than any decision that we can make on our own. God is able and willing to bless us according to His timing. We must humbly obey Him regardless of our present circumstances and in good time, He will lift us from whatever mire we find ourselves in.
Carrying our daily worries, struggles, and stresses by ourselves shows that that we have not trusted God fully with our life. We must demonstrate humility in our decision to recognize that God cares. We must admit our needs to Him and then allow others around us in God’s family to help us. In other words, give it up!
Ultimately, what we need to remember is that God knows all about our tomorrows. He knows what we need at just the right time. He cares for us deeply. All we must do is let go and let God.
Information contained within this article from the Tyndale Study Bible and the Transformer Study Bible.
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