The Doom Scrolls

Every morning the people of the village would gather for the reading of the scrolls. They were called the doom scrolls because they always contained bad news. Though no one much liked the morning routine, they couldn’t bear to stay away. They’d watch silently as the village reader carefully unrolled a scroll and read what was written insidenews of a distant war or a deadly illness sweeping across the land. Then people would shout and groan and shake their heads. After all the scrolls had been opened, the villagers would shuffle their separate ways, their hearts heavy and full of angst. One day, a young man passing through the town came to the morning reading. He listened with the other villagers as the first scroll was read. A fire swept through the fields of Hessanon just a few miles from here, and all the crops have been lost. Then a voice cried out, The fires will come here next! Another shouted, With no grain, we’ll all starve! The sound of cries and groans began to swell. We’re doomed! But the young man closed his eyes and spread his arms wide. Lord, he prayed in a booming voice, be with the people of Hessanon. Remind them that you are the God who saves, and let them feel your love and peace. Show us how we can be your hands and feet and offer them help. The cries of doom came to a halt as people turned to look at him in surprise. After several moments of silence, one woman said, We have barrels of grain stored in our cellar. More than we need. Then a man said, And I have a pony and a cart. Heads nodded in agreement, and plans were quickly made to bring several carts of food to Hessanon. As the reader continued with each piece of news, the usual moans and groans were replaced with prayers and plans to bring help to those who needed it. When the last scroll had been read, the people dispersed in small groups, a sense of purpose drowning out their angst. Their broken world desperately needed hope, and they knew the One who offered it. They had work to do. Courtney Lasater Many of us continuously scroll through bad news, and it can leave us feeling depressed and hopeless. How does Jesus provide a way for us to stay informed without succumbing to doomscrolling? Read Philippians 4:6-8 and Revelation 21:1-5. I [Jesus] have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. John 16:33 (NIV)

Read Verses:

Philippians 4:6-Philippians 4:8; 2 Timothy 1:7; John 16:33