Not for me … I found Christ, which is making this the best and most awesome year of my life.
But I do see suffering, chaos and real pain around me, and my heart aches for those who are hurting. I do what I can to try to help ease the suffering of others, but really the best I can do is pray.
I’m sure there are some who are wondering whether this is the worst year in history.
There is an interesting article that says, “No,” it’s actually not. It argues that the year 536 AD was the worst year in history.
The year began with an inexplicable, dense fog that stretched across the world which plunged Europe, the Middle East and parts of Asia into darkness 24 hours a day, for nearly 2 years.
Consequently, global temperatures plummeted which resulted in the coldest decade in over 2,000 years. Famine was rampant and crops failed all across Europe, Africa and Asia. Unfortunately, 536 AD seemed to only be a prelude to further misery. This period of extreme cold and starvation caused economic disaster in Europe and in 541 A.D. an outbreak of bubonic plague further led to the death of nearly 100 million people and almost half of the Byzantine Empire.
Saamir Ansari, “536 AD — the worst year in history“
I can imagine other Biblical candidates for that designation as well: the year that Adam & Eve got expelled from the Garden of Eden, the year that Noah built an Ark and the Earth was covered with water.
The thing I am learning is that the most important discipline is that of remaining focused on God, not allowing myself to lose sight of God when surrounded by worldly trials. God is Eternal. God is in charge. God does have a Plan, whether or not we understand what that is (and I certainly don’t). God loves His creation.
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”
John 3:16
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