The government's shut down.

Wars in Gaza and Ukraine continue.

The threat of mass shootings keep us in fright .

So Pastor, how can you tell me that it's all going to be ok?

Hey, I'm not the one telling you this - stop for a moment, take a deep breath, and ask what your faith, what your God, and what your heart, are telling you!

That part of us that is connected to God knows that the worries of this age are like fashion styles: in one season, out the next - and that our origin, destiny, yes, and even our current reality - are IN God - therefore, in love and in peace.

My problem is remembering this.

And this Sunday I find out I'm not alone - as we read about Jesus' disciples who were challenged by circumstances to lose their faith, and they cried out 'Increase our faith!'

In other words - "Help us trust in you Jesus - that all this crazy and terrifying stuff happening around us is not going to win the day!"

And Jesus says 'Believe. Trust. Place your faith in me, not in the outward circumstances, but in those inward promises.'

Faith means trusting what your Spirit-connected heart says over what this crazy world tells us.

And we increase it by putting more attention on that inner voice, casting aside those other voices, and giving precedent to what your soul - our conscience is telling us.

As long as we're here, the problems will persist - but so will our faith - and our ability to lean into that part of us where God is telling us, "Relax, you've got this."