Friday, January 30, 2009

Unrest



FALL
© 2008 Julie Ann Caringal

Clear as water
Time glows, flows, follows,
Marvels and accepts
The path laid out by Thee

Strong as rocks
Man presses on
Struggling, moving, going along
The course planned out for he

Gentle as leaves
The Spirit lay rest
To embrace in warmth
The sorrow of a heart to be

I've been told many times that "change is the only permanent thing in this world". This change, concretely proven in figures, is seen in how foreign exchange rates vary everday, how temperatures rise and drop every now and then, and how stock market numbers skyrocket or plummet all the time. On a more personal note, change is noticed in the way we behave in different situations. We smile when we are happy, cry when we are sad, tremble when we are nervous, and so on.

Plans change. People change. Everything seems to be everchanging.

I was watching the news tonight and the main theme that permeates from all that was being broadcasted on the television was UNREST whether financial, political, social, emotional, or physical. With all the talk about retrenchment, unemployment, bankruptcy, and what-have-you, one cannot miss the instability our world is facing. Deep down, I sometimes get the feeling that we are on a dangerous edge of unrest. A chain of unfortunate events has already led the world to where it is now and I can't help but think that a single but significant event can tip the scale.

I myself am currently on a transition stage. Any decision I make at this point will definitely affect my tomorrow. You are probably dealing with certain changes of your own. And in essence, we are all bound together as one human race facing an uncertain season of our lifetime.

Ultimately, I think it boils down to spiritual unrest, which reminds me of this song by Bukas Palad:

Refrain:
If there's one more gift
I'd ask of you, Lord
It would be peace here on earth
as gentle as your children's laughter
All around, all around

Your people have grown weary
Of living in confusion
When will we realize
That neither heaven is at peace
When we live not in peace
(Refrain)

Grant me serenity within
For the confusions around
Are mere reflections
Of what's within..
What's within in me
(Refrain)

The second verse speaks of the inner turmoil that each one of us (including myself) experience - an inner battle that is manifested in a million and one ways. The ground we are standing on might be shaking terribly but I always have this TRUTH to hold on to, which I wish to share with you:

"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever."
- Hebrews 13:8
The Message states the same Bible verse: "There should be a consistency that runs through us all. For Jesus doesn't change—yesterday, today, tomorrow, he's always totally himself." Wow! Isn't that amazing? The reassurance that the Lord gives us in His unchanging being brings PEACE in my heart and spirit. I hope in this reminder, or perhaps realization for some, you find serenity as well.

"These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world."
- John 16:33
For me, the word 'change' often go hand in hand with the question 'why?'. Now I know the answer: in Christ alone is the eternal.

If you still have questions about this Truth, you will find your answers by reflecting on Life's Greatest Question. I am praying for you.

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