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Psalm 37:13 NLT

'But the Lord just laughs, for he sees their day of judgment coming.'

I’ve noted that ageing can be accompanied by increasing anxiety. This seems so sad. After living a long and productive life, the last thing I’d want an elder within our society to experience is anxiety. Surely this is a time to reflect, smile and simply enjoy life, physical constraints acknowledged. My mum really does ‘sweat the small stuff’. My encouragements are swept away with an irritable wave of her hand, while her frown indicates her conclusion that I don’t understand.

There is much to worry about. My daughter, living as a young person in London, has observed an increased tension in the capital, and has experienced her own fair share of trouble, from stolen mobile phones to a violent attack. It is easy to question the reality of God’s omniscience, or total authority and power throughout the earth.

A confused and turbulent world where a minority enrich themselves and gorge on the produce of the many can seem unjust and beyond God’s capacity to influence. Given the serious and cruel implications of much of the social, economic and random violence across society, it may seem inappropriate that God laughs at the wicked. Yet, the laughter is at the futility of their efforts, for ultimately they lose their grip on life and face the judgement of God. Those efforts are also of little long-term value to society, and work against the realisation of God’s kingdom in the earth. Instead of railing against the efforts of the wicked, we can take comfort in establishing small oases of calm that reveal the character of God, and of a social order that demonstrates the viability of God’s way in the earth. It takes effort and courage. Its impact may not make headline news, but it will practically and positively influence lives for good and God.

QUESTION: What makes you feel anxious about life?

PRAYER: Holy God, help me to trust in your goodness, and let worry not rob me of my joy in you.