It Might Get Worse

Based on the hostile climate of my Facebook newsfeed, I can tell that 2016 wasn't too many people's best year ever. 

"Goodbye 2016, a year of struggles."

"Thanks 2016, I no longer feel safe in America."

"Thank God 2016 is finally over. We made it."

I really, really hate to break it to you guys, but pinning all your problems on a 4-digit number doesn't change the fact that the difference between 2016 and 2017 is one second at the end of 365 days. The reality is that the change of a year doesn't necessarily mean a change of circumstances, a change in the political climate of a nation, a change of the number on your scale, or a change of your relationship status. We look forward to a new year because we think that means a chance for better days ahead of us, but the reality is, it might get worse!

If you're worried that I've become an extreme pessimist, doomsdayer, or just unusually depressed about life, you're forgetting something significant about me. If it does get worse, I'm still okay, and in the "worse," I can experience better! As Christians we have become so overwhelmed by other people's extreme nationalism, severe anxiety, and exceptional dread that we are forgetting that this moment isn't who we are nor is it what we live for. Our internal reality and wellbeing are separate from the external factors of life around us. 

Sure, 2016 was rough. If you want to base your opinion of reality on the news, the world is basically falling apart. Newsflash: it's pretty much been falling apart since the whole Garden of Eden fiasco. That's why we needed a savior and that's why God sent us one. The beauty of our salvation is not only in the hope we have set before us in heaven, but it is also in the hope we have here on earth. The reality is that wherever I am, whatever I have, I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am. (Phil 4:13). Other people's worst days can be my best ones, not because I don't have compassion, but because I have my eyes fixed on heaven's eyes and nothing looks very scary from His point of view. 

Here's a message to both myself and to you for 2017: don't worry. It really is going to be okay. You really are going to make it through. The worst possible case scenario has nothing on Jesus and the surpassing worth of knowing him for eternity. If things start to look bad, lock eyes. If everything starts sliding downhill, cling tightly. Here's to 2017 and another opportunity to experience grace and mercy in the middle of it all.