Storms

Troubled times in the eye of the storm - whether that is weather in Scotland or European issues in Brussels.
While those who have lost their electricity cables in Scotland can expect 'normal service' to resume before too long, no one knows where last night's EU discussions will lead. I will leave the deeper discussions in the hands of the media, for a change.
At the heart of our culture, in all its forms, is an ever more invasive idolatry - everything is affected, and we are all caught up in it.
Those of us who have so much, in global terms, find ourselves intoxicated with the acquisition of more. Contentment with simply living simply has been replaced by the weary pursuit of new things and experiences, which generate storms within us, leaving us blown away.
I there an answer?
St. Paul would say so, as would Jesus!
'A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God’s armour so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.' (Ephesians 6.10-12)
Every day, we are fighting in a battle for the health and life of our souls. Unless we are living from within our relationship with Jesus, we will go with the flow, which if away from the Lord who has called us.
Our security does not come from seeking more stuff and larger financial rewards, but from a deeper relationship with Jesus. As Jesus himself told us, '“Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.' (Matthew 6.19-21)
If we live that way, we shall ride out the storms, and be a shining light for those caught up in it.
Best wishes,
Richard