News is depressing these days. So much in our world, in our nation, and in our community is out of control that it seems we are headed to disaster, and yet I feel helpless to make a difference. Violence and immorality are rampant. Fear and distrust warp perceptions and decisions—maybe even mine.

But, what can I do?

The Lord answered my question through my reading in Matthew 9 yesterday. In verse 36, it says, “But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd.”

Sheep without a shepherd are weary and scattered because they are helpless and hopeless without a shepherd. They don’t know how to find food and drink, or where it is safe to stop and rest. They are insecure and constantly searching to fulfill their needs. That seems an apt description of our culture as they search in the wrong places to fill their needs and are driven to find satisfaction and fulfillment.

Jesus response was to look on them with compassion. I confess that I don’t often mirror His heart. To make a difference, I need more of His love for others.

Then Jesus told His disciples “The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray the Lord of harvest to send out laborers into His harvest” (vv. 37, 38).

We tend to look at the multitudes with an us-versus-them mindset. How different would “they” look if we saw them as sheep in need of a shepherd? As a harvest–a plentiful harvest?

It’s still overwhelming. Even if I go into the fields to harvest, I can only tend to the fields I enter. But, as I go forth, is my heart filled with compassion? Does my love compel me, making me willing to take part in the harvest, to risk in order to bring life, direction, and fulfillment to others?

And am I praying to multiply my effort, asking the Lord to send out laborers into His harvest? For revival in the land? For the Spirit of God to brood over the land and prepare the fields for harvest?

Am I praying, or fretting and wringing my hands?

The problems are too big. They are too much. For me, and for you.

But they aren’t too much for God. He is sovereign, all powerful, the ruler of all.

What can I do?

I can cry out to the One that can do . . . and I can join Him in the battle.