"O God of the Coming One,

we lift up our eyes,

We lift up our souls in expectation!

We trust; we will not be afraid,

For you have promised to send a shepherd to reveal your paths and a teacher to show your ways.

We are mindful of our cruelty, Lord, so be mindful of your mercy,

And send your shepherd soon!

We are mindful of our spitefulness, Lord, so be mindful of your steadfast love, and dispatch your teacher here!

For we look upon your faithful servant,

We shall see your shining face;

As we gaze into your steady eyes, we shall behold the image that is our own."

        (author's attribution unknown)

In this season of calamity, fear, and doubt - it is all too easy to be sucked into the emptiness of desolation, the fear of destruction. The culture around us breeds fear and discontent without offering any solution. We are told to preserve our lives - but without any promise of making that life fulfilling in itself.

"What am I saving myself for!?" Jesus declared in Mark 13:24-37 that a great shaking would come before a triumphal renewal. While the details of the 'shaking' may be uniquely personal to us all, it seems something rings true in his statements - for all generations and all times.

Dread and fear are commonly understood. The world outside may not understand how to remain sane in the midst of a crisis. Those who hear the words of Jesus have an inkling as to what to do. Jesus reminds us that we who believe in Him, seek His wisdom in Scripture, and call upon Him in prayer are given all the personal gifts, knowledge, and skills we need to live well while awaiting a new and better world. The storm is severe, but it has an end. The sun does come out again.

If we can keep close to Christ, in thought, word, and deed, we can keep hope alive. Right now, the world needs people who have a living hope and an active loving faith. The world needs us to offer that hope freely to others who live in doubt and fear. Be the miracle. Be like Christ. Be hopeful.