Marriner’s Moment: Harmony, Happiness and Hope – Part 1

What a year – the good, the bad and the ugly! Between politics, gun violence and massacres, Black-on-Black crime, and natural disasters, it’s not always easy to experience harmony, happiness or have hope. Far too many people today are accepting a spirit of hopelessness, helplessness and fearfulness as their ‘new normal’. They shrug off the depravity as, ‘this is the world we live in today.’ And, while that may be true, the Bible reminds us that we may live in this world, but we are not of this world. With that in mind, I refuse to accept things as if my hands are tied behind my back. There’s also the saying, ‘if you don’t like where you are, move; you are not a tree!’ In other words, we don’t have to accept where we are or what’s happening around us. Even if we can’t change our environment, we have the power to do something differently. The ‘move’ we make may be as simple as changing our mindset or response to those things happening around us.

Sometimes the best way to get through the day is by refusing to watch or read the news and turning off social media. The ugliness and divisiveness of our country and this world have taken their toll on many of us—weighing us down with the issues of life. However, as children of God, we must refuse to let the world dictate our attitude, response or our future. I ask that you join with me and CHOOSE to focus on the harmony, happiness and hope that Christ desires for us and promised to us. Certainly, that promise came with a caveat because He also said that we “will have trials and tribulations.” Nevertheless, I challenge you that, if you know you are a new creation in Christ, say so and live as if you believe it!

During this season of celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, let’s focus on the reason for the season. Let’s approach this holiday season, without the expectation of receiving presents, but with the determination to be present for those we love and care about. And, let’s demonstrate the love of Christ, not only through our words, but our actions. Let’s overshadow a world filled with darkness by allowing our light to shine brightly!
Peace and power.

© Dr. Melvin O. Marriner,
Grove Church
December 2017