the sky is falling

In addition to the usual news headlines greeting me and my coffee this morning–more flooding, fires in California, deaths in Iraq–I was stunned to see this one: “Everything seemingly is spinning out of control.” That kind of gets to the point, doesn’t it?

The article lists decreasing food supplies, increasing prices, natural disasters, water shortages, power outages, airline failures and even the recent writers’ strike as contributing issues. “Midwestern levees are bursting,” write Alan Fram and Eileen Putman. “Polar bears are adrift. Gas prices are skyrocketing. Home values are abysmal. Air fares, college tuition, and health care border on unaffordable. Wars without end rage in Iraq, Afghanistan and against terrorism.”

And unlike recent decades, Americans apparently feel more helpless to fight or fix these problems. Two different reports show only 14-17% of Americans believe the country is moving in the right direction. “The can-do, bootstrap approach embedded in the American psyche is under assault,” says the article. “Eroding it is a dour powerlessness that is chipping away at the country’s sturdy conviction that destiny can be commanded with sheer courage and perseverance.”

I’m not happy about any of the inflation, climate change or fighting taking place, but these circumstances do give us a superb opportunity to remind can-do Americans even they can’t do everything. People need Jesus whether things are “under control” or chaotic, and when they begin doubting their own invincibility they’re also more likely to consider His claims. I hope churches seize this opportunity–some “chicken little” thinking is okay if it points to a big God.