The Flame Within

The culture around us feels increasingly discouraging. It is hard to turn on the television, watch the news, or open social media. We have lost our way. The more we fight from opposite sides, the more divided we become. “A house divided against itself cannot stand” (Mark 3:25). It can feel hopeless because the political tension feels hotter than ever. I find myself asking, how do we really live this way and think it is okay? How have we gotten to this point?

As I begin pondering these thoughts, I feel despair creeping in. I feel discouraged and disheartened. “Hope deferred makes the heart sick” (Proverbs 13:12). When my spirit feels downtrodden and I struggle to find joy, it feels like an asthmatic trying to catch their breath during a severe attack. Joy feels out of reach, and it is painful and scary. “My soul is downcast within me” (Psalm 42:5).

It is in those moments that I am reminded of God’s Word. His Word reminds me that there is truly nothing new under the sun. “What has been will be again, what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun” (Ecclesiastes 1:9). Evil and hatred have been rampant throughout all of history, both in biblical history and world history. And yet, woven all throughout God’s Word are overwhelming stories of hope. “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it” (John 1:5).

I am reminded again of the hope I have in Christ. “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him” (Romans 15:13). Suddenly, I am not quite as downtrodden, and I feel joy beginning to return to my spirit. I am also reminded that a constant diet of social media and the news is not good for me. “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it” (Proverbs 4:23).

So I pull back. I choose instead to be part of the hope of Christ in the world. “Blessed are the peacemakers” (Matthew 5:9). I refuse to engage further in the cultural divide. I choose to remain humbly in prayer for our nation and our world. “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray” (2 Chronicles 7:14).

Above all, I choose to seek Jesus. “Seek first the kingdom of God” (Matthew 6:33).

— Reflection —

Take a moment to pause and notice what is stirring in your heart.

Where have you noticed discouragement or heaviness taking root lately?

How has constant exposure to news or social media been affecting your peace, joy, or sense of hope?

What might it look like for you to pull back, even briefly, and create space for God’s Word to speak louder than the noise?

In what small, intentional ways can you choose to be part of Christ’s hope and light today?

“Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).

May this be a reminder that stepping away from the noise is not avoidance. It is wisdom. And choosing Jesus, again and again, is always the surest path back to peace.

Blesssings, Crystal Ridlon, LPC