A Weary Spirit...
Finding Faith, Discernment, and God's Unfailing Presence in Troubled Times When tuning into the news today, the weight of eliminated social and healthcare programs, lost jobs, rising prices for essentials, and a volatile global and political climate is enough to break the human spirit. With shifting international dynamics, government aggression, and corporate greed leaving many wondering if God cares or why there is so much strife, it is easy to feel completely weary. This powerful reflection explores the search for logic in a chaotic world and the profound realization received through prayer and discernment: that those who sow a lack of compassion, empathy, and love ultimately reap the consequences of their own actions. Yet, even when we are stunned by the realities of the world, believers are reminded that God never abandons His flock. Grounded in Psalm 146:3, which warns us not to put our trust in princes or human power, we are called to anchor our hope in the Lord.
COURAGE AND STRENGTHOBEDIENCEFAITH
Have you recently streamed or turned on your favorite news channel? Were you bombarded with facts, opinions, rhetoric, and additional messages your mind just couldn't process? With all we are encountering today, from social and healthcare programs being eliminated, jobs lost, and the increasing price of food, gas and other essentials, in conjunction with our political and global climate it's enough to break the human spirit of some, and question their faith in God. How did we come to this?
Suddenly Canada has become our enemy, Ukraine has been labeled an aggressor, we have waged an endless war in Iran, and the steps taken by our leaders in the White House have most of us wondering if we're in a parallel universe. We're unable to determine nor understand the aggression of our government, the greed of our wealthiest citizens, and the invasion of privacy from those beyond our U.S. borders. We wonder if God cares, and if so why so much strife?
I found myself praying continuously, looking for logic where none was to be found. The only answer I heard through prayer and discernment was "they must learn". But who is "they" I asked the Lord. "Those who would not recognize the rotten fruit that yielded no compassion, no empathy, no love for his brother. Those who would wish harm and condemn others to suffering and destruction, only wishing and sending dire straights to others. Those who would cast the least aside and dig a grave for their remains, must learn they have condemned themselves, and those they love to spiritual and possibly a physical death too. I continued to pray and pray. I had to have some understanding of why those of that thinking could be so thoughtless, uninformed, and cruel. I was stunned at the answer, but immediately understood God's plan.
God created humanity with free will, meaning people—including leaders—make real choices. When leaders choose greed, division, or oppression, those actions have devastating real-world consequences. Free will requires that choices carry genuine weight, which tragically includes the capacity to cause harm to others. A recurring spiritual principle is that actions bear fruit. When societies or leaders sow discord, lack of compassion, and injustice, they ultimately reap turmoil. In the grand tapestry of justice, human actions create immediate suffering, but they also set in motion a spiritual reckoning where no injustice goes unnoticed by God.
In seasons of trial, we Believers are called to look beyond earthly rulers ("Put not your trust in princes"). Suffering and societal distress often strip away superficial securities, forcing individuals to evaluate their core values, anchor themselves deeply in faith, and stand firm in truth, empathy, and love when the surrounding culture fails to do so. Scripture assures us that God does not abandon His flock. While earthly powers rise and fall, and corrupt systems inflict pain, faith provides the conviction that suffering is temporary and that divine justice, peace, and ultimate restoration will prevail. Believers know that God will never abandon His flock.
S.K. Caraway, Director
thesonyakarolfoundation.org
Psalm 118:5-6
Out of my distress I called on the Lord; the Lord answered me and set me free. The Lord is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me?
Romans 8:28
And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.