Strange days. Things we’ve never seen or heard before. Multiple versions of the same story. Who to believe? Everyone taking sides. Everyone believes they are right. Most are confused. Fear, worry, and depression are rampant.

I have a friend struggling with depression and he’s a pastor. I have another friend, a biblical scholar, who is afraid to go out of the house for fear of reprisal from those who hate. It can strike anyone. It can bring anyone down. It can lock you up in a prison of your own making. What to do?

Unfortunately, we’ve all gotten so caught up in the two-sided arguments that we have forgotten why we are here. If we can answer the “why” question then we can figure out the “how” and the “what.” And reminding ourselves of the “why” can help us set aside some of the angst.

So here’s the “why.” Warning: it may seem trivial, but it is true. We are here to receive God’s grace through Christ, and if we have already received that grace, then through humility and service, to turn that grace outward to everyone we meet. That’s it.

Think of it this way. Think of it as looking up. Look across and you see confusion, mayhem and disorder; look up, and see that God is on His throne and still offering grace to all through Christ. Look across and you can only see what you are focusing on in front of you and little else. Look up and you see the vast universe of God’s making, and the place He is preparing for us, the angelic host and the army of the Lord that is on our side, and God Himself, who is not only in control, but is watching over every detail of our lives.

By the way, “looking up” is a metaphor for looking into what Paul calls in Ephesians, “the heavenlies.” The heavenlies aren’t necessarily “up.” They are actually in another dimension and most likely all around us. So look up, and know that when we say that, we are saying simply, look to God. He knows everything, sees everything, and is behind the movements of history. And He knows and loves you intimately.