The late Mahalia Jackson very movingly sang, “Trouble of the World”.
“Soon it will be done
Trouble of the world
Trouble of the world
Trouble! of the world…”
This song is timeless and relevant today. The troubles of the world due to covid-19, political concerns, poverty, violence, crime, and a myriad of concerns are ever-present. Uncertainty is everywhere and peace is fleeting.
When, as a child, I heard this song for the first time, I thought about my troubles. I was so moved by this song that I cried. I remember feeling a lot of sadness about being poor, living in a crime-infested community, and fearing bullies. I desperately wanted all of my troubles to end immediately. That did not happen. And so, I learned to pray a lot as Mama had taught me.
From the time we wake up in the morning, we have to choose to trust Jesus and pray. The troubles of this world are ever-present. In John 16:33 (ESV), Jesus states the following: “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world, you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” As Christians, we can look to Jesus for strength in these troubled times. He has already overcome the world. Live, pray, every day!
