The Dow Jones Industrial Average hit a new record high. It finished above it’s previous high in 2007, which was right before the huge slump and we went into an economic tailspin.

So… all is well again.

Yet, there is a sense that it’s not “all well.”

We put our gauges on the wrong meters and think everything is “normal.” The Spirit comes along with a deeper diagnostic reading, and there arises a sense of, “Hey! Pay attention! It’s not all ‘good.’”

What this culture calls “good” and “normal” may not be a good leading indicator anymore.

Over the past few weeks my own heart has been stirred more and more. As I read through the Lenten readings every day, there is a deeper stirring. All is not well in the American church. We talk around it all the time, but here is the thing: we talk around it. 

At some point, we need to get to our knees and pray. 

Let GOD tell us what is up! Let the Spirit stir the waters and give us the real report.

We need a return to the Lord, not a return to the Dow Jones record high.

¹² “Yet even now,” the Lord says,
“return to me with all your heart—
with fasting, weeping, and mourning.
Tear your hearts,
not just your garments!”
¹³ Return to the Lord your God,
for he is merciful and compassionate,
slow to anger and boundless in loyal love—often relenting from calamitous punishment. (Joel 2:12-13, NET Bible)