Apathy is here. Nobody cares.

The controversial and oft quoted comedian George Carlin once said, "There is a great wave of apathy moving across our country; problem is, nobody cares." The truth in his statement is more prevalent today than when he first offered. I'm no social engineer, but I think our apathy is fueled by too many of us living in the past. We hang onto all the hurts and past defeats and never look forward to anything positive for the future. Too bad. When we don't trust God to provide new things, new victories, and new challenges, then we are doomed to wallow in dark and gloomy places. Lately, I have seen so many pictures on social media of "the good old days" and images from past tragedies like floods and such.

(Mifflin Co Historical Society, 1936 flood)

Don't misread my thoughts. I think it is important to remember the past and rejoice over the 'good' times and grieve a little over the tragedies. I simply think it becomes counter-productive when we choose to stay situated in the past. It isn't so much that we can't leave the broken past but more that we won't. Hanging onto the past allows us freedom to 'not' set goals. It pushes the pause button on our dreams. It becomes the same thing as a 'pall' on a casket.

Whether we would admit it, life is always changing and we can either embrace change and move forward or we can dig in our toes and fight against it. What benefits arise from these two opposing actions?

1. Embracing change fortifies our trust and hope in God's guidance and provision. It allows growth in our lives to expand. Fruitful things can be realized in a place where hope lives.

2. Digging our toes into the ground and fighting gives us a good feeling. It appears we are standing against a sense of loss regarding things or people of the past. We boldly stand and proclaim, "We shall not forget nor will we be moved." Entrenched in the past doesn't allow the future doors of 'good' events to swing open. Our resistance might even slam those future doors shut!

While God is the same yesterday (past), today (present), and forever (future), the scriptures in Jeremiah speak of that which is yet to come.

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans

to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to

you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. (Jeremiah 29:11-13, NIV)

Trust God to enrich your life with new and good things. Don't allow the broken past to swallow your hope and diminish the person God created you to be. Let the door of God's prospering swing open and move toward the one who says, "You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart."

Friends, it's time to hit apathy and depression right on the jaw and move toward God's grace and mercy. Those would be the two shiney things overcoming our darkness. Let them!