Worst of times?

The present time always seems like the worst of times, just like some time in the past always seems like the best.

But these times do seem tough for those of us coddled by entertainment and ease, because we smell rain in the air. Change is coming.

How do we respond? Some would look for an escape route - figuratively for some, literally for others. Tough times can trigger flight.

But a writer, in the midst of a rough time, asked, "how can you say to me, 'flee like a bird to the mountains'?" Advice is usually free in all times, and the enemy seemed poised to overwhelm.

More advice: "if the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do?" (Ps 11:3)

But our writer was not so easily swayed. He didn't believe all was lost. "The Lord is in his holy temple," he declared. "The Lord's throne is in heaven....his soul hates the lover of violence." (Ps 11:4)

Faced with a "run for the hills" plan, the writer said, "In the Lord I take refuge."

Nothing had changed, as the writer knew. The Lord still sat on his throne and knew the works of people. He still tested the righteous and the wicked. He still offered a scorching wind to the evil.

These are the worst of times. And the best of times, for God is still on his throne.

In the Lord I take refuge (Ps. 11:1)