4/29/2025
Why are you cast down, O my soul?
And why are you disquieted within me?
Hope in God;
For I shall yet praise Him,
The help of my countenance and my God.
Psalm 42:11
I woke up this morning with a deep sense of sadness, perhaps foreboding, as I have remained under unrelenting spiritual attack for months, and it seems that each day brings more disheartening news and a greater sense of loss. I'm not speaking of the continuous despicable bombardment by the media towards anything God honoring, although that is concerning. No, my heart is breaking for families, one in particular that has been spiraling downward, departing the faith, although they think they are soaring with the eagles.
In my youth there were men and women of integrity reporting honest journalism. An investigative reporter actually delved into the specifics of an issue without siding with a side or position. They reported truth and the moral side of an issue was relevant and regarded. The church was honored, and God's word respected. Certainly there was moral decay, evil brewing, but the enemy was more subtle in those days, and our hearts were more discerning, and children were protected. We could go to our pastors and find comfort through reading the scriptures and applying it to our lives. Parents listened to their children and taught them godly, moral principles, even if they themselves were not church goers. A hand shake was binding in a deal.
Schools were more engaged in educating children in basic subject matters that dealt with life, not questionable garbage that threatened a child's innocence and tenderness towards others or led them to squalor and decay. Children played outside in the fresh air, held a book in their hands, participated in spelling bees and field trips. They ate real food, a balanced meal, rather than fast food and junk foods. Parents were provided with the daily menus, so that if the child preferred, he could bring lunch from home. They ate their meals with friends, seated at a table in the lunchroom. After the school day ended, older kids might have after school jobs or home chores, but they ate supper with their families, and they had homework that challenged minds and made them think.
Classrooms held teachers and students who participated in open discussions on current events, and although they had questions, they were not permitted to spark controversy or create contention. If someone was confused or differed in an opinion, a class project to study and research the matter meant time in the library, writing a report about the findings, then having clear, logical, healthy class discussion. Truth mattered, and slander of leaders was not allowed, and parents were treated with respect. Parents participated in school activities and supported their children and the teachers, even if both parents were working. Teachers were flexible in their time for meeting with students and parents.
Back in my day mothers took care of their homes, and the father was the head of the home, who worked at a meaningful trade, providing for their families. If something happened, friends and the church family would rally to their sides. There was prayer in schools, and we saluted the flag. When my brother was seriously injured in an automobile accident his first year in college, our principal announced it over the loud speaker, and he asked for silent prayer. My teachers asked about him routinely, and my school friends rallied to my side. I didn't have to wait it out alone while my parents were away from home seeing to his needs in the hospital. May grandparents were available and cared for me and my sister. Although these were disquieting days, we had each other, and we rested in the arms of our Father while we waited. Life had to go on, but it was never easy, and it will never be easy until our Savior returns, and He will return.
Until His return I will stand on the wall, positioned against the foe, standing in faithful prayer in spite of days that begin as this one for me and regardless of the evil spoken directly to me in hatred and contention. I will look to the One in whom I have believed, the One who saved my soul, the One to whom I belong, the One I love and who loves me back, abiding in His love and faithfulness.
God I Look to You
Song by Bethel Music
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