These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world – John 16:33
Reading of another’s unfortunate plight,
Of how tragedy dimmed a family’s light.
When forced to face life’s ugly hand,
Which no rationale will ever understand,
But to only supply indisputable proof
That John 16:33 forewarns the truth.
So, I must humbly keep in mind,
One day in the future, I too, may find—
No longer shielded by tranquil days—
Forced to watch sorrow shift its gaze.
Then it’ll be my tearful face I see,
When someone else becomes me.
With 24/7 news reminders of the harsh realities of life, it’s easy to seek shelter by tuning out what’s going on in the world. While reducing our media consumption helps manage stress, complete avoidance of other people’s pain can create an unhealthy “someone else, not me” mentality. This false security—often triggered during a season of tranquility when everything is going well in our own lives—makes it easy to become desensitized to the plights of others.
Job’s sudden turn of events reminds us that life can change in an instant, and that no one is exempt from the reality of John 16:33. So, as we begin a new month, let’s show compassion by praying for the hurting and lending a hand however we are able. Because tomorrow that “someone else” could be you.