As his wayward people experience storms and suffering in Babylon, the Sovereign Lord does not give up on them; he upholds his promise to use his mighty power to save them and bring them home from exile. We see this in the way God delivers Daniel and his friends from harm. We see this in the dreams and visions Daniel has of the Lord triumphing over all oppressive kingdoms and rulers.

Summer is coming to an end, and I find myself struggling to feel anchored. Is it the lack of structure? Is it the beautiful, sunny weather in San Diego that’s been lulling me into inactivity?

Could be.

Is it the news of floods and fires? Plane tragedies and ongoing wars?

Is it the wheels beginning to spin and accelerate with the start of the busy fall season that will soon be upon us?

On a recent Sunday, after preaching several times, taking a nap, and going for a walk, I had time to reflect.

I realized how my body, heart, and mind have absorbed the clamor of news, activities, and responsibilities that I carry as a husband, father, friend, and pastor.

Recently, my wife purchased one-pound weights to carry when going for a walk. I’ve tried using them. They don’t feel heavy at all. However, imagine adding one pound a day, every day. Initially, it would be fine, but eventually, you would feel the reality of many one-pound weights added to your body!

As I write this, I am aware that I’ve been carrying many one-pound weights in my soul.

How can I tell?

My mind struggles with feeling numb and just going through the motions.

My to-do list seems unending, and I feel growing frustration when even a small thing is added to it.

With a constant barrage of chaos and calamity in the news, I find myself struggling with, on the one hand, feeling callous and wanting to avoid the news altogether because I don’t feel like I can handle any more, and, on the other hand, my soul feeling fearful and despondent because of news of tragedies, from pictures of those swept away by the Texas flood to images of a plane crash in India. In fear, I want to make sure my kids are protected and pull them back from any and every activity. In the back of mind, I feel unsettled about my next travel on a plane.

Maybe you can relate in some way. We live in a world of clamor. News of chaos and calamities keeps coming, whether in our personal circles, in the church, or in the world.

But here’s the great hope: In a world of clamor, the gospel brings calm and courage.

His Power Is Greater

In the book of Daniel, we are told of God’s people living in a world of clamor.

The city of Babylon is characterized by oppressive power and grandiose pride. Imagine the fear that God’s people must have experienced as they were sent there as exiles and pressured to give up their faith, often under threat of death.

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