These Are The Times That Try Men's Souls

How often we hear people say “History repeats itself!” As we survey our world we can be assured that those famous words spoken by Thomas Paine on December 23, 1776 are as true today as it was back then. “These are the times that try men’s souls.” We are faced in all quarters with continuous evil and tumult, many are fearful with what is coming upon our world, the tranquility of our lives has become a thing of the past, those we once looked to for answers have failed us and have become weak, dithering caricatures feigning leadership, empty feckless suits, devoid of any moral strength in times of need.

Micah the prophet was the first to prophesy the downfall of Jerusalem around 737 - 696 BC. Something we should not take lightly because history does in fact repeat itself. Reading from Micah it is clearly evident that conditions in his times are just as relevant today.

(Micah 7: 2 - 6) “The godly man has perished from the earth, and there is none upright among men; they all lie in wait for blood, and each hunts his brother with a net. Their hands are upon what is evil, to do it diligently; the prince and the judge ask for a bribe, and the great man utters the evil desire of his soul; thus they weave it together. The best of them is like a brier, the most upright of them a thorn hedge. The day of their watchmen, of their punishment, has come; now their confusion is at hand.

Put no trust in a neighbor, have no confidence in a friend; guard the doors of your mouth from her who lies in your bosom; for the son treats the father with contempt, the daughter rises up against her mother, the daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law; a man’s enemies are the men of his own house.”

Entering into the traditional winter holiday season these signs become all the more evident, police respond to increased domestic violence calls, the true nature of the human condition surfaces fueled by alcohol and drugs, indicating a universal sickness within the human soul. Surety of a secure future is fading as confidence in market plans and schemes are no longer trustworthy. Many who have striven for success see their efforts eaten by those who contribute nothing thus increasing division and strife. Then comes ISIS, a harbinger of final times. 

(Revelation 6:8)  And I saw, and behold, a pale horse, and its rider’s name was Death, and Hades followed him; and they were given power over a fourth of the earth, to kill with sword and with famine and with pestilence and by wild beasts of the earth.

These are depressing times and in fact we may be entering into yet another real world wide depression of even greater magnitude than that of the 1930’s. 

In spite of all that, those who know Jesus as savior and Lord can repeat the words of Franklin D Roosevelt, “The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.” As we all place our ultimate trust in the Lord as Micah did.

(Micah 7: 7) “But as for me, I will look to the Lord, I will wait for the God of my salvation; my God will hear me.”