How to Live in Insane Times
“The Lord is a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.”
Our government’s slow and improper rollout of the Epstein Files, with some of the most powerful men in the world seemingly protected from potential pedophilia, is but one example of our nation’s present insanity. ICE raids, with poorly trained, masked gunmen, are allowed to barge into citizens’ homes and drag them into unmarked cars. Two citizens in a city can be shot in broad daylight by ICE agents, with dozens of witnesses and camera footage, with seemingly little accountability. We’ve alienated our nation’s global partners with tariff abuse and threats to militarily take Greenland are just three examples of the insanity gripping our present reality. It would be easy to fall into despair, because we have so little power to address the gross injustice. But God is calling us to the path of hope and life.
I turn to Thomas Oppong’s articles for wisdom, and his article “The Rarest Thing in 2026 Isn’t Money or Time. It’s Sanity” doesn’t disappoint. Oppong challenges us to reflect on “Our habits. Our focus. And boundaries.” Low-grade depression can cause us to act out by overeating, drinking too much, too often, or receding into ourselves by constantly watching news shows instead of living the life God gave us. When we let frustration change our habits, we feel out of control, and worry fills the void. Energy is lost, leaving us unable to lift ourselves out of our melancholy.
Focus is the next skill we need to nurture in uncertain times. Oppong quotes neuroscientist and addiction psychiatrist, Dr. Judson Brewer, who warns, “Your brain gets stuck in a loop: check the news, feel anxious, check again to feel more control, feel more anxious, repeat.” The new habitual pattern doesn’t provide the control you hope for. Instead, the newly developed habit chips away at focus until we cannot think beyond the negativity. Focus requires intentional preparation and planning to retain control of our thoughts and actions.
Finally, the “boundaries” are created after we refine our habits and commit to our focus. Christians are notoriously bad at keeping healthy boundaries. In the name of compassion and loving-kindness, we throw ourselves into situations in unhealthy ways. Keeping clear boundaries helps us, and others, maintain healthy relationships. Prayerfully ask God for the wisdom to assess our habits and focus so we can retain healthy boundaries. When our habits, focus, and boundaries are clear, we not only maintain good personal health but also support others through the insanity we call 2026. When we are clear about who we are as children of God, we are better able to respond faithfully to life’s injustices from our unique perspective. Do not give up or give in, but do your part, knowing God has a hand in making a better tomorrow.
