Why is it so hard to straighten out the messes people create?
From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham
Q: We’ve become a nation overcome by fear and danger. Our cities are no longer safe. Why is it so hard to straighten out the messes people create? – F.W.
A: Lawlessness is not confined to the city streets. Most law enforcement officers say the most dangerous calls are those related to domestic arguments. Beatings, rapes, and murders are also happening behind the walls of homes in the suburbs and small towns.
Random violence, without any provocation or reason, is everywhere. No one is safe. We are a nation living behind bars – not only in America but also in other countries.
Fraud is rampant wherever we are. In the financial world, cheating touches many pocketbooks.
Real estate values have so many ups and downs that financial institutions struggle with bad loans. Is there any doubt that we are a nation in debt?
Part of the problem with debt is that we have confused needs with wants. Yesterday’s luxuries are today’s necessities.
The infection of fear spreads as crisis feeds on itself and fears are expressed for everything from bank failures to global financial panic.
Outside of the Bible, there are no true, unfailing solutions. We can react with bitterness and hate God, as some do, or we can accept trouble as a natural part of life and a condition that comes with living in this world. We cannot always avoid problems, but we can determine our response to it. When life hits us head-on, we can respond with resentment, resignation, acceptance, or welcome. We are the living examples of our responses. When troubles come, may prayer be our automatic response. As long as we look only at the situation in the world today, it will be very hard to overcome worry. Let’s lift our eyes beyond the circumstances and learn instead to trust God.
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(This column is based on the words and writings of the late Rev. Billy Graham.)
©2025 Billy Graham Literary Trust. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
(c)2025 BILLY GRAHAM DISTRIBUTED BY TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES, INC.
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