Narrative Lectionary Key Verse for Today
“In his place shall arise a contemptible person on whom royal majesty had not been conferred; he shall come in without warning and obtain the kingdom through intrigue.”
NL Daily Devotion for Friday, August 30, 2024
by R. M. Fergus, Clergy Stuff
A usurper. Someone who wrests power away from it’s rightful wielder through intrigue—dishonesty, manipulation, gaslighting, misinformation… I hate to say it but it sounds pretty familiar here in the U. S. of A. Not that it’s happened yet, but, boy are the forces in play trying hard to establish an unjust dictatorship under our democracy-proclaiming noses.
It's hard to be aware of the news and not freak out a little. I got off social media six or seven years ago (I’m now very guardedly back on Facebook) because everyone in my feed seemed to be collectively screaming in agony about the insanity in D.C. I’m not sure how productive all that wailing really was or is. These days, I try to live in a state of general trust—for one thing, I don’t have direct control over any of it. For another, I can look at history and recognize the shit-storms we’ve weathered in the past. For a third, and perhaps most important, I can trust that all of this is temporary and turn it over to God.
This isn’t to say I don’t do my part. Au contraire! There are definite actions I can take, and I do. But reposting memes and creating an echo-chamber of moral outrage without associated action isn’t one of them. Like Daniel, who is told this will all occur “at some point,” I need to live today to the best of my ability, and stand ready to do whatever is required in the event I am called to stronger action.
How do I manage my anxiety about political issues in my country?
