0Saturday Song: Gordon Lightfoot, "Black Day In July"

The world sure seemed to me to be in turmoil back in the late sixties. Race riots and anti-Vietnam-war protests gave me the impression that the world was tearing itself apart. Added to the feeling of impending doom were underground nuclear bomb tests and the arms race between America and the Soviet Union.

Gordon Lightfoot immortalized the atmosphere of Detroit's riots with his ballad which became a hit in July of 1968.

Listen to it here:

We who place our trust entirely in Jesus have a different view of history. After our Lord laid out the events of his journey to the cross, he comforted his disciples. John 16:33 (BBE) is also our assurance of who's really in control of this planet. "I have said all these things to you so that in me you may have peace. In the world you have trouble: but take heart! I have overcome the world."

Christ also reminded his disciples of his mastery of the future in Matthew 24:30 and 31 (BBE). "And then the sign of the Son of man will be seen in heaven: and then all the nations of the earth will have sorrow, and they will see the Son of man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory."

But some folks might say that it's all fine and dandy for the future but what about today's troubles? Our Master assured his disciples, and us by extension, not to worry about whatever wicked people will do to us. Matthew 10:28 and 29 (BBE) reads, "And have no fear of those who put to death the body, but are not able to put to death the soul. But have fear of him who has power to give soul and body to destruction in hell. Are not sparrows two a farthing? and not one of them comes to an end without your Father:"

How wonderful then that whatsoever worries us is also known to our heavenly Father. We can take our concerns to him in prayer and leave those matters in his capable hands.

On Monday, I'll post about the error of pacifistic rejection to fight in wars.