Captain Jack Sparrow is hardly an expert on evading trouble and undoubtedly numbed himself with rum, but this statement rings so true.  “The problem is not the problem.  The problem is your attitude about the problem.  Do you understand?” Johnny Depp was simply playing the part of a drunken sailor, so what does he know?

Today we’re filled with many of the same problems folks had during the time of sailing ships and pirates in the Caribbean. They didn’t know about global warming or climate change. They used the stars for navigation. They endured tropical storms. They weren’t afraid to go outside in sweltering temperatures. They had no fear of nuclear war but did worry about survival. The poor were getting poorer as the rich thrived. Some had to steal a loaf of bread to satisfy their hunger, while others turned to rum. Many of the Jack Sparrows of the time were outlaws without a real leg or arm and only one eye, but they persisted.

When things around us get hard to handle, that’s the time to start looking for ways to fix them rather than running from them.  Even when life seems out of control, there is a way to cope. There are the motivational writers and speakers who tell you to simply think happy thoughts, or look only at the good things to release positive endorphins. The simple truth is that there really is only one way to peace, happiness, contentment and positive thinking.  It is through the One and only Triune God.

God became flesh.  Jesus walked with men, taught them, cared about them, wept when they died, provided for them, comforted and encouraged them. He suffered and died for everyone who believed in Him. He continues to reveal His love for us in all situations. He demonstrates how our Heavenly Father takes care of us. He tells us how to overcome adversity. He gives advice on fixing a marriage, He teaches us to pray for healing and be patient. He removes the sins that have haunted us for years. He loves us with an unconditional that cannot be replicated. He does so with His Holy Spirit through the Bible.

“God is our refuge and strength.  A very present help in trouble.  Therefore we will not be afraid.”  Psalm 46:1-2

Today, when things continue to create anxiety in your life, remember that God is the only One who can change things.  Pray for His intervention in this world of ugliness and sin.  He’s the only POSITIVE in a world of negativity and ultimately in control of all of it.

THANK YOU, JESUS, FOR ANOTHER DAY!