Composure in Exasperation

HAPPY SON-DAY!

Perfect Weather for Open Windows at Night

You will always find good News Here

It's Harvest Time - Let's Go Feed Her

Composure in Exasperation

If you haven’t heard, the federal government shutdown has quietly triggered the suspension of SNAP and WIC benefits for 42 million Americans, including over 440,000 Minnesotans, effective November 1. These programs are critical lifelines for families who rely on them to put food on the table every day.

In Minnesota, the ripple effects are already being felt. Food shelves across the state are experiencing a surge in demand as families scramble to find alternative sources of support. The shelves are thinning, and the lines are growing longer.

For those already living on the edge, this isn’t just a political issue, it’s a breaking point. The emotional toll is profound. Imagine the moment when you realize there’s nothing left in the pantry, and no help is coming. It’s the deep sigh, the hands thrown up in disbelief, the quiet mutter: “I can’t believe this is happening. How am I going to feed my babies.” This is exasperation. You’ve reached your limit in what you can bear. 

"I try to take one day at a time, but sometimes several days attack me at once."

— Jennifer Yane

This is more than a temporary disruption. It’s a crisis of dignity, of stability, and of basic human need. And it’s happening in silence, without headlines, without urgency, and without the attention it deserves.

In 1 Kings 19:3–4, we find the prophet Elijah at a breaking point:

“Elijah was afraid and fled for his life. He went to Beersheba, a town in Judah, and he left his servant there. Then he went alone into the wilderness, traveling all day. He sat down under a solitary broom tree and prayed that he might die. ‘I have had enough, Lord,’ he said. ‘Take my life, for I am no better than my ancestors who have already died.’”

Elijah’s despair came not after failure, but after a major spiritual victory. This reminds us that emotional crashes often follow high-stress moments, and that’s normal. Even the strongest among us can feel overwhelmed.

But notice what God does next. HE doesn’t rebuke Elijah. HE doesn’t shame him for his exhaustion or fear. Instead, God responds with compassion and care:

“Then he lay down and slept under the broom tree. But as he was sleeping, an angel touched him and told him, ‘Get up and eat!’ He looked around and there beside his head was some bread baked on hot stones and a jar of water. So he ate and drank and lay down again.”

— 1 Kings 19:5–6

God’s remedy was simple: rest, nourishment, and quiet. Jehovah Jireh, the Lord who provides, met Elijah’s needs in the wilderness.

In our own moments of despair, when we feel like we’ve reached the end of our rope, we can trust that God sees us. He knows what we need, even when we don’t have the words to ask. When the world pulls the rug out from under you, anchor yourself in your faith.

As Psalm 37:25 reminds us:

“I have been young and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.”

So, no matter what the economy says, no matter how your job, family, finances, or government may treat you, keep your composure. Hold on to your faithful clarity under pressure. You are a child of God, and He will not let you go hungry… physically, emotionally, or spiritually.

Song of the Week - 

Hallelujah! Sing a New Song to GOD. Sing HIS praise in the assembly of godly people. Psalm 149:1.

"Worthy", 2025, Blanca

Nice Latin beat and fun melody. The song has a hook you will remember two days from now.

Lyrics in the song