Have you ever looked around and quietly asked yourself, “What is really happening in America and around the world?” I know I have. In 2023, that question sat heavy on my heart. I found myself looking at the confusion, anger, fear, and division around us and wondering how we got here. Maybe you have felt that too. Some days, it can feel like a lot to carry.
But even in times like these, I am comforted by the fact that God has not left us without guidance. Proverbs 11:14 says, “For lack of guidance a nation falls, but victory is won through many advisers.” To me, that means when we stop listening to wisdom, things can begin to fall apart. But when we humble ourselves, seek God, and listen to wise voices, there is still hope.
The truth is, we live in a broken world. Romans 5:12 reminds us that sin entered the world long ago, and because of that, we see pain, suffering, and trouble all around us. That was never God’s original design. There was a time when humanity walked closely with Him, and everything was peaceful. But when people turned away from God, brokenness entered the story.
I realize that talking about sin is not easy. For many people, it feels uncomfortable, and sometimes even in church we avoid the word altogether. We would rather talk about blessings, encouragement, and all the good things God is doing—and those things are beautiful and needed. But I believe we also have to be honest about the places where we have drifted. Throughout history, before many great spiritual awakenings, people first had to face the truth and turn their hearts back to God.
Jesus spoke about difficult times too. In Matthew 24, He said that sin would increase and that the love of many would grow cold. He talked about wars, earthquakes, disasters, and troubling events. Those things can easily make our hearts anxious. But Jesus did not tell His followers to panic. He described those hard moments as birth pains—painful, yes, but also a sign that something new is coming.
Many of us still remember hearing about the 2004 earthquake and tsunami in Indonesia, where nearly 228,000 lives were lost. It was heartbreaking. Moments like that stop us in our tracks and remind us how fragile life really is. They also remind me how deeply we need God’s mercy, comfort, and direction.
I also believe God still knows how to get our attention. Sometimes He speaks through His Word. Sometimes He speaks through prayer, dreams, visions, or a strong impression in our spirit. I do not believe He does this to make us afraid. I believe He does it because He loves us and wants us to be awake, wise, prayerful, and ready.
Jesus also said that one day the world would be like it was in the days of Noah. People would be living everyday life, not realizing that major change was coming. That speaks to me because it is so easy to stay busy, distracted, or numb to what is happening around us. But as believers, we are called to pay attention with faith, not fear.
So what do we do with all of this? I believe we start right where we are. We pray. We seek God. We love our families. We strengthen our churches. We build real community, like the early believers did in the book of Acts. We live in a way that honors God, not just with our words, but with our choices, our kindness, our humility, and our faith.
Proverbs 14:34 says, “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people.” I believe this is a reminder for every nation, not just America. God cares about what is right, what is good, and what honors Him. And He is still calling people back to Himself with love, patience, and mercy.
My prayer is that we become people who can tell the truth with love. People who are not afraid to admit what is broken, but who refuse to lose hope. People who listen for God’s voice, allow Him to change our hearts, and encourage one another along the way. I truly believe that if we humble ourselves and turn toward Him, we can see a fresh season of renewal, healing, and hope—not only in America, but around the world.
With love and blessings to you and your family as you think, pray, and seek God in these times.
