Thoughts on a Gloomy Afternoon

This is one of those rainy, dreary fall days. The temperature is only near 50. The trees are quickly shedding their canopy of leaves today as the blustering wind whips the rain upon them. One can close his eyes and almost begin to see the makings of snowflakes in the air. (Hopefully, it will be several weeks before they actually materialize. But, this is Minnesota!)

The gloomy skies seem to reflect the gloomy attitude many Americans are having right now. Third quarter earnings reports are beginning to come in. Unless you truly enjoy those dollar value menu items at McDonalds, the earnings reports leave you with a less than exhilarated feeling. Houses are still not selling, or if they do sell, prices are often below what is still owed on the mortgage. Small businesses are closing doors because of tight credit and impending fears of an Obama presidency where capital gains taxes will be significantly increased. Major industries are laying off people by the thousands, creating one of the highest unemployment figures seen in recent years. And still the winds continue to blow.

In a couple of weeks, Americans will be making some critical decisions that will impact our country for the next decade or even longer. To me, the clarity between the two candidates could not be more well defined. Yet the majority of people are clamoring for change. As if change will stop the winds from blowing. As if change will suddenly make all their lost money return. As if change will cause their jobs to return. Change will come...but, I believe about all it will do is to change the direction from which the wind blows.

So, on this gloomy afternoon in the Twin Cities, I am reminded of the hope that is ours in Jesus Christ. He is unchanging. His promises are absolutely certain. His Word is infallible. And His plan is invincible. When we are anchored to Him, we are enabled to stand strong when the winds of change overtake us. Now that thought can part the clouds and bring a note of cheer.