The chamber of commerce won’t appreciate this, but take a look at this morning’s newspaper headlines, scattered throughout the first two sections….

Front page: “Landrieu cousin kills his wife, himself.” “Algiers man guilty of shooting officer.”

Section B, page 1: “Mother claims insanity in baby’s killing.” “Man indicted on drug, gun charges.” “Suspect admits to string of break-ins, Kenner cops say.”

Page 2: “Womans says she was held hostage in Slidell.” “St. Tammany’s schools will tighten security.” “No charges filed in fatal stabbing.”

Page 3: “Man booked in motorist’s death.” “Charge upgraded to murder.” “Suspect indicted in 2 murder cases.” “3 charged following teenager’s drug death.” “Feds accuse pastor of diverting aid.”

Page 4: “Man dealt drugs at SUNO, feds say.” “Fatal shooting victim is Metairie man, 46”

Don’t let anyone tell you we’re not a city in crisis. We’re in deep trouble. Granted, some of these events occurred in suburban communities, not in New Orleans proper, but if that’s any consolation, I don’t see how.

When my wonderful mom reads these things–or similar news items from that area of Alabama (they have tragedies and crime, too)–she will sometimes remark, “Don’t you think things are worse than they have ever been before?”

I reply, “Yes, and better, too.” That doesn’t make sense at first, but it seems to be the reality of the world we’re living in.

The way I understand Scripture, before this world ends, it is true that wickedness will “wax worse and worse” (II Timothy 3:13). However, those who do righteousness “shall shine as the brightness of the firmament” (Daniel 12:3). Both good and bad will thrive.

Two opposing forces, existing side by side, each growing in power, each trying to subdue the other, one throwing out fear and darkness and death, the other radiating brightness and healing and life.

Think for a moment about the work going on throughout this world–and particularly in this one city–in the name of Jesus Christ. More of the Lord’s faithful people are out there serving, blessing, teaching, healing, comforting, feeding, sheltering, and saving than in the history of this small planet. More career missionaries have left home and are devoting their lives to enlightening citizens of countries heretofore unknown to them than ever.

More churches are sending out teams from their congregations to foreign countries every year. I mean, think of it–small rural churches send missionaries to Belize, to Brazil, to Belarussa, every year–and do so like this is the most normal thing in the world. The teams return, report to the members, pray for the people they met and ministered to, and then begin to make plans to send another group next summer. Is this not amazing or what?

Bottom line: this means many things, but perhaps this most of all: if you want to despair, you have plenty of reason; and, if you want to hope and be optimistic, there’s also good reason.

So, you have to choose. Despair and hope are such opposites, you cannot harbor them both.

We get to choose our reaction to the news of the day. We’re not locked in. It’s our choice.

A church member was appointed to pick up the visiting speaker at the airport and drive him to the church. Apparently, the driver was one of these people who knows all the end-time prophecies and eagerly sallies forth on the reasons why the Lord is about to descend with His flaming sword for the final judgment.

As they pulled away from the curb, the driver quickly said to the guest preacher, “Don’t you think the world is in worse shape than it has ever been before?” Before giving him a chance to answer, he started in on the latest murders and wars, countries experiencing genocide and starvation, and the helplessness of governments to cure anything.

As he wound down, he said, “Don’t you think, reverend, that this world is ripe for God’s judgment?”

The minister said, “No doubt. However, the last time I checked, despair was still a sin and hope still a virtue.”

We all need a reality check from time to time lest we fall into despair.

My hope is not based on the morning’s news, the day’s stock market quotes, or the night’s wickedness.

“My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness.

When all around my soul gives way, He then is still my hope and stay.”

My hymnnal attributes those words to Edward Mote, from the year 1832. That’s roughly 175 years ago, and the sentiment is as true today as then.

The city is in crisis, yes. Just like it was yesterday and the day before. But we remind ourselves that “Christ is in the city,” and that’s why we give thanks and refuse to despair.

Before opening this morning’s paper, my Scripture reading covered the portion of II Kings where the prophet Elisha’s servant goes out to fetch a bucket of water first thing after daybreak and gets the shock of his life. The Aramean army had completely encircled the city. It was a fearsome sight. As Gehazi rushed back in the house, the prophet calmed him down with these words which every believer should memorize and treasure:

“Do not fear, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” (II K. 6:16)

Then Elisha praying the simplest of prayers, asking the Lord to open the servant’s eyes. What he saw was even more heart-stopping. “The mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.”

All right now, servant of the prophet, you have to make a choice. You can be afraid of the army encircling the city–and the Arameans are a fearsome bunch. Or, you can relax and put your trust in the hosts of God who are filling the mountain. Up to you. They’re both there, and in one form or the other, they’re always there.

Every day of our lives, you and I are called on to make similar choices. To trust in the Lord or be afraid (“be very afraid”). To believe or to panic. To rest in the Lord or run for the hills.

David put it like this. “Though a host encamp against me, my heart will not fear; though war arise against me, in spite of this I shall be confident.” (Ps. 27:3)