The Human World: It’s a Mess

It’s hard to look around today and not feel like everything is a little, or a lot, out of control. From the constant political debates to the ever-changing cultural landscape and global crises that seem to be everywhere, the world can feel overwhelming. I don’t usually get into political discussions here because, honestly, I’ve seen too many friendships, families, and communities torn apart by it. There’s just something about diving into the chaos of politics that feels like it’s asking for trouble. I’d rather not risk it. But what I will say is that the world is in a mess. And, while that can feel disheartening, it’s not something God is unfamiliar with.

The Bible is full of reminders that we’re not the first generation to wrestle with the brokenness of this world. Throughout history, nations have struggled with power, division, and unrest. People have fought over beliefs, identity, and resources. It’s been happening for thousands of years, and yet, God’s message remains the same – that He is sovereign, even in the mess. We are still part of a bigger story that God is unfolding, and He hasn’t abandoned us, even though the world might feel chaotic and uncertain.

We can look at the political turmoil that seems to intensify every year, where it feels like every issue becomes a battle, and people can no longer have respectful conversations without it turning into an argument. There’s so much division, so much anger, so much “us versus them.” It can feel like the world is on the edge of something—who knows what’s next? But then I think about how the Bible talks about the kingdoms and powers of this world rising and falling. In Daniel, we see prophecies of nations that would come and go, and how, in the end, God’s kingdom would be the only one that remains. The divisions and struggles we face now are not new. They’ve been happening since the beginning of time, and God has always remained in control.

And then there’s the culture. It seems like everything is shifting at once—values, identities, what’s considered “normal” or “acceptable” changes faster than we can keep up. The pressures to conform to societal expectations are overwhelming. It’s easy to feel like we’re constantly adjusting just to stay afloat. The Bible speaks to a world that will be marked by confusion, division, and people following their own desires instead of God’s truth. In 2 Timothy, Paul talks about people being lovers of themselves, disobedient, and proud. Does that sound familiar? The difference between then and now might just be the speed with which it’s happening, but the underlying reality is the same. The world is going to keep changing, but God’s truth stays solid. And in the middle of all this change, we’re called to stand firm on what we know is true.

And don’t even get me started on the global crises. Whether it’s pandemics, natural disasters, or economic struggles, it feels like there’s always something out of our control. One crisis is barely over before another one arrives. It’s easy to panic, to think that maybe this is the end of the world as we know it. But the Bible tells us that these things are not new. Jesus warned in Matthew 24 that there would be wars, rumors of wars, famines, and earthquakes before His return. It doesn’t mean the end is here just yet, but it does remind us that these things will happen. And in the middle of them, we have a choice: to let them drive us into fear and despair, or to lean into God’s promise that He is always with us.

So yes, the world is a mess. There’s no denying it. But we can’t forget that God isn’t caught off guard by it. In fact, He’s been at work long before we were ever born, and He’s still at work now. It’s not that He causes the mess, but He’s redeeming it. The Bible is full of God’s promises to restore, to heal, and to make all things new. Romans 8:28 reminds us that “in all things, God works for the good of those who love Him.” That’s not just for the easy times. It’s in the mess, too.

Even when things don’t make sense, even when it feels like the world is falling apart, God’s love is unwavering. His plan is unfolding, and He’s inviting us to be part of it. We might not have all the answers to the problems of the world, and we might not understand why things are the way they are, but we can hold onto the truth that God is redeeming all things. He hasn’t left us here alone to figure it out on our own.

So, as we navigate this messy world, we don’t have to lose hope. We can look to God’s love as the constant in all the chaos. He is still good, still sovereign, and still working everything for our good and His glory. There is peace in knowing that no matter how messy things get, God’s love will always be bigger, and He is always working to bring light into the darkness. The mess doesn’t define us—it’s God’s redeeming love that does.