Absolutely Nothing New Under the Sun

I recently went to get my golf clubs re-gripped at Golf Galaxy the other day.

And before you assume that I’m some rich old fart who’s got deep enough pockets to splurge on another $599 driver, I’ll be the first to brag that I got this starter set off of Facebook Marketplace from a guy who likely hadn’t used them for years (get to know me long enough, and you’ll know how much Marketplace is a drug for swindlers like me). 

Want to know how I know? When I brought the clubs in, not only did the employee at Golf Galaxy tell me my Mizuno club set was likely from the 80’s or 90’s, but they were shedding their grips like the soot-covered dogs in “101 Dalmatians.”

As I stood astounded at the ancient age of my clubs, the employee went on to explain how it didn’t really matter. 

“Technology for clubs hasn’t changed much, except for maybe drivers. In the end, it’s all face up anyways (meaning the face of the club). There’s nothing new under the sun.” 

While you may hear people using biblical language (writing on the wall, by the skin of your teeth, go the extra mile, to name a few), you don’t often hear them quoting such a meaningful and richly theological phrase.

It feels like, this year more than any other, I’ve heard countless numbers of individuals declare “this is the most pivotal/important election in the history of our country.” And before I say anything more about that sentiment, I want to say a couple things:

This election is important. Who is elected is important. The policies they support matter. Their character matters. The outcome and subsequent years matter. The people impacted via the election matter. And no matter who is elected, it’s critical for the people of God to pray for whoever is running their country, wherever in the world they live. 

And yet, there’s nothing new under the sun.

We can pray for our leaders, but they can’t save us from our sins. We can support policies that benefit the poor, but many of our problems will persist. Our preferred candidate may be elected, but they can’t quench the thirst of our souls with living water. Our preferred party may control the senate, but they can’t solve our wicked hearts. Our tax dollars may be better utilized, but they won’t fund a start-up non-profit that will bring ultimate healing to our broken communities. 

When people say that this election is the most important one in the history of the United States, it very well could be; I’m not saying it isn’t. And neither are these sentiments supposed to keep us from voting or shouting from the rooftops for goodwill solutions to real, wicked issues in our neighborhoods and policies. 

But, there’s nothing new under the sun.

The next time you’re stressing out and losing sleep about the direction our country is going, remember that Christ is not surprised by our world’s current state of affairs. In fact, quite the opposite. Not only is He well aware of every nook, cranny, and thought in this world, but He has divinely appointed what governing authorities exist (Romans 13:1-2). 

So, take heart in the midst of your pain, brokenness, and hope for a better future. Pray for unity, peace, and healing in your community. Seek change and give glory to God. Get involved where you feel led. Pray for Christ to return to our yearning world.  But don’t beat yourself up when change seems slow or things seem to get worse. There’s nothing new under the sun. He’s got our backs.