On a recent maintenance trip through the southern part of Western Australia, one of Vision’s Broadcast Technicians came across this poor little vehicle whose image speaks a thousand words.
This piece of art is a stark analogy of the suffering of people—overloaded with the lies, cares and worries of this world—exasperated in recent times by the extra pressures of lockdowns, decisions about vaccines and truth wars. So many feel like this little car, struggling under incredible weight, trying to appear like a calm duck on a pond when really under the surface there is great turbulence and a longing for help and hope.
There are plenty of indicators Australia is under a great weight right now. According to Australian government data, since the start of the pandemic the volume of mental health-related PBS prescriptions dispensed are up, calls to crisis support organisations like Lifeline, Kids Helpline and Beyond Blue are up, and the rate of children presenting to emergency rooms after self-harming has jumped significantly—especially in Sydney and Melbourne. It is no wonder confusion and anxiety at all-time highs. Not only are we continually bombarded with bad news, but also with polar opposite information and opinion—especially on social media.
It is so easy to become overwhelmed by it all, and if you feel at all that way, know you are not alone.
Remember that God is our refuge and strength—a very present help in times of trouble (Psalm 46:1).
The problems of this world are like a thief who comes only to steal and kill and destroy. But Jesus came so that we may have life, and have it to the full (John 10:10).
Are you getting this? God’s good news is the answer. The cares of the world aren’t going anywhere but neither is God. As our fellow Australians see us living our faith in real and tangible ways, they will see an active demonstration of love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control that will draw them to Him.
Consider how light has the greatest impact when it is darkest. Surely with everything going around us, this is our moment to shine.
So let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up (Galatians 6:9).
Of course we must engage with what is happening in our world, thinking critically and seeking God’s wisdom on things like politics and vaccines—but we should always allow Scripture to frame our response. We should never forget that God’s primary mission for us is to be the light of the world (Matthew 5:14) and that our words should be full of grace and seasoned as if it were salt (Colossians 4:6).
We live in complex and fast-changing times, where our natural instinct is often to fight or flight. But in 2 Timothy 2:17 Paul explains a better way… “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind” (NKJV).
If you’re feeling like the little car in this picture, remember Philippians 4:4-7 “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Read more stories and download the latest edition of our supporter magazine, Vision for Every Australian.
