“All it takes is one person to poke a hole through the bottom of a boat in order for everyone else on board to be affected,” remarked a friend, referring to the impact that the negativity of others can have on our own thoughts and lives. A helpful metaphor, but even more, a great reminder of the importance of keeping our collective boat afloat through a better understanding of the inviolable goodness of God.

This understanding isn’t something that originates in our head. It’s inspired by Christ, God’s spiritual idea communicating to human consciousness, revealing the presence, power, and activity of good in each of us, including our fellow shipmates. 

Of course, there are any number of circumstances these days that would challenge our efforts in this regard: persistent warfare, a lingering pandemic, an erosion of democracy, and so on. And to the extent that such circumstances are left unaddressed through prayer—through a humble yielding to Christ—they might leave us feeling as though we’re drowning in a sea of “doomerism,” as it’s often termed, even the conviction that nothing is ever going to get better.