If only we had the palantíri.
What are the palantíri, you say?
If you’re a Lord of the Rings fan, you might know that Palantir in the Elvish language means “far-sighted,” and the term refers to the “seeing stones” used to communicate with one another and see many things across Middle Earth. In this fictional world, a person could look into a palantír to see visions in the mind of a person looking into another stone, most often for nefarious intent.
If we could look into a palantír to see what has been going on across our own “middle earth” this past year, we would likely perceive that this has been a truly challenging time economically, relationally, physically, culturally, politically, and spiritually.
Men have not been immune from these difficulties and are sometimes even at the forefront of them:
- Loneliness. Male loneliness has been more pronounced and, thankfully, more acknowledged than ever, but is exacerbated by isolation, polarization, and technology.
- Anxiety. Mental wellness, depression, and suicide are massive problems for many men and show no signs of slowing down in an unstable world, chaotic culture, and an anxious generation.
- Power. A destructive and domineering form of masculinity has created a ready-made environment for control and abuse, resulting in many living in fear, especially the vulnerable and marginalized.
- Anger. The pent-up anger of the bro culture in the manosphere has resulted in a vicious cycle of frustration, hatred, demonization, and even violence.
- Addictions. From gambling, gaming, and pornography to alcohol and drug addictions, many men are bound by habits they cannot break and live every day with their detrimental effects.
- Idolatry. Pursuing pleasure, popularity, platforms, and a “pot of gold at the end of the rainbow” is so common that we hardly notice the false gods we worship.
- Apathy. Many men, particularly young men, have disconnected or outright deconstructed their faith, often due to a loss of confidence in the institutional church with its continual scandals, in-fighting, and finger-pointing.
This list is not exhaustive, and it may not sound very hopeful. Add to this various global conflicts, natural disasters, economic hardships, and political unrest, and it can be tempting to throw up our hands in despair in the face of all the doom and gloom.
Our solution to these problems will not be found in political power, winning the culture wars, or owning the other side with our angry tweets and posts.
Yet, I believe we can be incredibly hopeful as we face this new year.
How?
Because these ancient words are still valid today:
“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea…” (Psalms 46:1-3)
Our sin is conquered by His steadfast love. Our problems bow to His promises. Our challenges submit to His unchanging character. Our hope is eternal.
“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea…” (Psalms 46:1-3)
No matter what happens in the world around us, we can be men of hope and faith this year if we choose:
- To be solid men rooted in God’s Word, character, and sovereignty. (Colossians 2:6-7)
- To be surrendered to the Lordship of Christ in all areas of our lives. (Galatians 2:20)
- To be Spirit-filled, Spirit-led, and Spirit-empowered men who consistently grow and display the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:16-25)
- To be safe and secure men who are countercultural blessers and bless-ed, as described by Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:3-10)
- To be Kingdom men not tethered to this world but looking toward “a Kingdom that cannot be shaken” (Hebrews 12:28), working in tandem with God, serving, giving, loving, and proclaiming in word and deed, “Thy Kingdom come, and Thy will be done.” (Matthew 6:9-13)
This is why I am hopeful for a new year. We don’t need a palantíri to see a hope-filled future. If we “keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, the author, and perfector of our faith” (Hebrews 12:2) and step up as men of God, the possibilities are endless.
In his Lord of the Rings trilogy, author J.R.R. Tolkien invited us all to see hope and impact emerge through the most unlikely characters. Gandalf the Grey’s wise words to the humble hobbit are fitting as we embark on 2025:
“All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us.”
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