From My Perspective - - -

It is a certainty – everyone has had a Discombobulating Moment at some point in life! It wasn’t planned for or anticipated – but it occurred anyway. After it had occurred, there was the dissecting of the moment or event to determine “Why?” that became the lingering experience. What does it mean to be Discombobulated? The definition is: to be confused or disconcerted; to be upset, frustrated or perplexed. The Synonyms are several and amplify Discombobulation further: to be addled, baffled, befuddled, bewildered, confounded, disturbed, flustered, mixed up, puzzled, ruffled, thrown. Yes – at some point in fact and in life – all have been Discombobulated.

How does Discombobulated connect to Implosion? Implosion means – “a bursting inward.” Many have seen an act of “implosion” when large buildings of structures are being removed. In moments, that which had been a useful and inhabited structure is reduced to dust and rubble. The Medical Dictionary has an interesting application for Implosion. It states that it is “A type of behavior therapy in which the patient is repeatedly subjected to anxiety-arousing stimuli while the therapist attempts to extinguish the patient's anxiety and anxious behavior - replacing them with more appropriate responses - a bursting inward rather than outward.” It is a restructuring of a personality and a behavior.

If one was given to being politically caustic, it could be suggested that what has occurred in the United States in recent weeks and months is a classic illustration of Discombobulation Implosion! Two years ago, it seemed as though there was a type of Tsunami effect as people voted for “Hope” and “Change”! It was packaged and presented well. One of the great political lines was uttered by John Boehner when he said: “When we had Ronald Reagan as President, we also had Bob Hope and Johnny Cash. Now – we have no hope, and no cash!” The citizenry has always been fickle (that is: “likely to change…due to irresolution or instability …not constant or loyal in affection”). People were led to believe they would get something for nothing to meet Health Care issues. While some ideas were good and some corrections were needed, the reality quickly became obvious – this change came with a high price tag that will continue to increase. If in doubt, check health care premiums, co-pay increases, higher deductibles, and lower reimbursements. There also was the sudden awareness of Stimulus efforts run amuck and Trillion Dollar Deficits becoming part of the normal financial vocabulary.

Is it any wonder there is an increase in Discombobulation Implosion? Is it any wonder that discontentment, disarray and disconnection are occurring? Is it any wonder so many are disillusioned because of those elected to political office have yielded to deception and fostered distrust? Humorists from the past commented on the State of the Nation in their day. Mark Twain said: “Suppose you were an idiot and suppose you were a member of Congress? But then, I repeat myself!” Will Rogers stated: “We have the best Congress money can buy.” Also, “everything is changing. People are taking the Comedians seriously and the Politicians as a joke.” And, “I don’t make jokes. I just watch the Government and report the facts.”

The Psalmist David made interesting observations regarding the changing times and the Discombobulating Implosions of his day. In Psalm 108:11-13 he prayed, inquired and implored: “Is it not you, O God, you who have rejected us and no longer go out with our armies? Give us aid against the enemy, for the help of man is worthless. With God we will gain the victory, and he will trample down our enemies.” The Message Translation expresses some of the phrases as: “You aren't giving up on us, are you, God? refusing to go out with our troops? Give us help for the hard task; human help is worthless…” No! God is not going to abandon His people. They may have to pass through difficult times and insurmountable challenges – but – He is always The Shepherd Who leads, guides and cares for His sheep. Don’t let Discombobulating Implosions tare you down. Turn to Him and Trust in Him so that you can face today and all of your tomorrows saying - “because the Lord the Lord is my Shepherd, I have everything that I need.” Consider these things with me!