Night Candle Meditations

The line of contention over vaccine mandates widens, becoming a fault line in our fractured society. It appears there are many taking a stand for the right to choose while on the opposite side are those determined to deny by proclamation the rights of others to choose. It is difficult to separate politics from the science used to support arguments. I am not going to debate the issues, but I wish to present a few thoughts from Scripture regarding this Christian's response to vaccine mandates. We know that "God is not the author of confusion but of peace." 1 Corinthians 14:33. The person having a right relationship with God lives a life of peace knowing that God has their best interests in mind. When others see someone enjoying peace of mind in a chaotic world, there is a tendency to be envious. Envy opens the door to darker emotions such as jealousy, fear, and anger. "For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there." James 3:16. ...

Everyone has experienced loneliness. There is something within each of us that desires the company and companionship of others. Innumerable songs about loneliness were written across generations with many atop the popular music charts. Seems a bit oxymoronic that loneliness can be so popular. Despite the size of family or circle of friends, loneliness manages to intrude. Technology has supplanted in person conversations through mediums like Facebook and Twitter. This lack of personal interaction is detrimental to our well-being and does nothing to relieve loneliness. Without loneliness it is difficult to imagine Facebook and Twitter being able to survive as giants in the land. If these behemoths are not alleviating loneliness, where can one go to satisfy the soul's longing? The psalmist David tells us that God "satisfies the longing soul, and fills the hungry soul with goodness." Psalm 107:9. Loneliness is a state of anxiety in the heart which can lead to depression. In...

Concern about world peace takes a back seat when peace of mind and physical security are the primary concerns for people today. Worries about Covid-19 fail to abate as concern rises about future pandemics. There has been a significant downward spiral of economies in many countries. Thousands upon thousands seek an illusory rainbow of promise by just getting across a border. The vast majority are fleeing dire conditions in their home countries. One cannot fault the desire for peace and security, but these will be elusive in a country struggling with its own broken economy. Food on the table and a roof above is enough to satisfy those who have been without such bare necessities. They may have an easier time adjusting to a future economic upheaval as forecast by some economists. Those living in self-spun cocoons of economic security may soon experience the fragility of their existence. It is doubtful that so called preppers can really feel at peace in such a world, but there will be oth...