June 8

It seems like we hear or read more disheartening news at every turn. In just the past weekend the dominant cultural narrative has changed. More division. More polarity. More whatever we do is not enough in someone else's eyes. And more bad words now suddenly made acceptable.

Sometimes the disheartening news hits much closer to home. Jobs and livelihoods threatened, people move away, and loved ones of loved ones die, leaving them to grieve and lament.

If left to the limits of our own societal devices, if there is no other hope, it will not end well. Frankly, I don't know anyone, Christian or otherwise, who is feeling optimistic for the future this side of heaven.

Optimism is replaced by anger, and everyone's angry at everybody. Perhaps even angry with ourselves.

Paul wrote about just this to the church in Ephesus. "Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil."

We know by faith that Jesus has already won the war over sin and death. But we also see how the Enemy and his legions seem to be prevailing in the current stuff. His best cloak and dagger assassin's work happens when he gets us to believe he has nothing to do with anything.

He stealthily uses our own anger against us. He convinces us that life has "not been fair." He causes us to be angry toward other people or institutions who seem to be more financially secure and better off.

Ultimately, he encourages us to be angry toward God.

So today I ponder if and how my own anger gives an opportunity to the devil. What personal narratives am I choosing to hold on to, even those that are uninformed or even just plain wrong?

Instead of giving opportunity to the devil, Jesus offers something quite different.

Matthew 11:28-29 says, "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls."

Rest from my anger. Rest from being vulnerable to the Enemy. Rest for the part of me that is the deepest part of me.

Instead of finding more things to be angry over today, I will instead risk if not invite the devil's attacks. I will instead, by faith lean into this:

Psalm 46:10-11, "Be still and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth! The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah"

"Selah," meaning, may it be so now and forever.

-Mike Rydman, Lead Pastor, Radiant Church | Juneau