America's National Funk
A recent USA Today poll showed that 72% of those Americans polled are not happy. War and the economy are the primary culprits, but one woman said, "I think we've somehow lost our way." Susan Page, the author of this article, said "Not since April have even one-third of Americans been happy with the country's course, the longest national funk in 15 years."
I would agree that "national funk" is a better way to describe the tenor of the present American spirit, i.e., the issue is much larger than war and economics. The fulcrum of the West is breaking down, and even the church of the Lord Jesus Christ is struggling to assume any leadership. And even if they did, the level of distrust of religious leaders and institutions is too great.
The American Bubble was popped on 9/11, and the patriotic indulgence that ensued has steadily declined since then. Now, every succeeding crisis and national turmoil compounds the already devastated American psyche. And it matters little which side of the political aisle you find yourself. The long-standing assurance of the American soul has systematically been reduced to a level of frustration, grief, doubt, and anger. Worse yet, the optimism tank is being depleted, and any shift of political authority will likely serve only as a short-lived "fix" for the national patient.
However, to those whose faith lies in the sovereign Creator of heaven and earth, "Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say, rejoice!" Let not the Christian American be counted amongst those living under this national funk. We are commanded to occupy ourselves with praise and thanksgiving--"the fruit of our lips giving thanks to His name"--for our lives are not shaped by a national mood, but by the Spirit of the living God. We set our minds on things above in order that our heavenly vantage point will aid us in shaping both our lives and our society:
I would agree that "national funk" is a better way to describe the tenor of the present American spirit, i.e., the issue is much larger than war and economics. The fulcrum of the West is breaking down, and even the church of the Lord Jesus Christ is struggling to assume any leadership. And even if they did, the level of distrust of religious leaders and institutions is too great.
The American Bubble was popped on 9/11, and the patriotic indulgence that ensued has steadily declined since then. Now, every succeeding crisis and national turmoil compounds the already devastated American psyche. And it matters little which side of the political aisle you find yourself. The long-standing assurance of the American soul has systematically been reduced to a level of frustration, grief, doubt, and anger. Worse yet, the optimism tank is being depleted, and any shift of political authority will likely serve only as a short-lived "fix" for the national patient.
However, to those whose faith lies in the sovereign Creator of heaven and earth, "Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say, rejoice!" Let not the Christian American be counted amongst those living under this national funk. We are commanded to occupy ourselves with praise and thanksgiving--"the fruit of our lips giving thanks to His name"--for our lives are not shaped by a national mood, but by the Spirit of the living God. We set our minds on things above in order that our heavenly vantage point will aid us in shaping both our lives and our society:
Arise, shine: for your light has come! And the glory of the Lord is risen upon you. For behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and deep darkness the people; but the Lord will arise over you, and His glory will be seen upon you. Isaiah 60:1-2America is sorrowful because she reaps for her transgressions. America is sorrowful over the negative circumstances she now must swallow down to the dregs. But, America is not sorrowful for her sin. She is not sorrowful that she has departed from her Maker, nor that she has grieved His Spirit. And the circumstances are not severe enough to adjust her attitude. Godly sorrow should lead to repentance, and at this point, we have neither.
