Events seem beyond our control. It doesn’t matter whether we are talking about the world or our private lives. The idea that we could control events is an illusion. There are certain things that we can control, of course, usually mundane things like when we get up for the day or do the laundry, but then there are those events that are beyond even the control of world leaders.
Frustration and anger have a boiling point. We’re seeing this now in the Middle East. One seemingly small event, such as the possible forced eviction of Palestinian families from East Jerusalem has spiraled into a conflict that now engulfs not just Gaza and Israel proper but now engulfs cities and towns throughout Israel and the occupied West Bank. Ancient and modern hatreds have flared beyond control.
In the midst of this we also try to control our individual lives. We fear that international conflagration will affect us as much as the virus pandemic did. One small event in our own individual lives can also flare beyond our control bringing a result we never would have imagined.
Prayer for the Day
Like the Psalmists of old, we cry for understanding, O God,
For we often do not understand the world around us;
Like those who struggle to find their way, we cry for hope, O Lord,
For we are afflicted by despair and doubt.
Grace us with your insight helping us to rely on you,
And to give us the faith we need for today.
In the name of him who gives us a new vision of life,
Even Christ Jesus our Lord, Amen.
Thoughts for the Day
Control is an illusion - a fact you will learn very fast if you become ill, or have things fall apart in some other way. When we understand vulnerability and suffering as an essential part of being human, our individual fate can be easier to manage.
Harriet Lerner, American clinical psychologist
Empires create their own theologies to justify their occupation.
Mitri Raheb, Pastor Evangelical Lutheran Church, Bethlehem
Answer me when I call, O God of my right!
You gave me room when I was in my distress
Have mercy on me and hear my prayer.
Psalm 4: 1