How to not freak out at every piece of distressing news
“The Lord is exalted, for he dwells on high;
he will fill Zion with his justice and righteousness.
He will be the sure foundation for your times,
a rich store of salvation and wisdom and knowledge;
the fear of the Lord is the key to this treasure.”
– Isaiah 33:5-6 (NIV)
This verse speaks about Zion, but we can apply it to our own circumstances as well. The Lord Jesus Christ, the Good Shepherd who gave His life for the sheep, is seated at the right hand of the Father. He is our stability, our strength.
I find that if I start my day with His Word, the Bible, instead of letting the news get my attention first, I do not get knocked off balance as much during the day. Why? Jesus Christ, the WORD by whom the world was created, has first place in my thoughts, and can quietly speak to my heart and mind about the turmoil around me. He can speak to my storm, and bring me t0 a peaceful place.
On the contrary, if FoxNews gets my attention first, I get blown in every direction the news takes me. What changed? God didn’t change. His faithfulness didn’t change. I changed. I gave His message 2nd place in my thought life, and now I’m buffeted by the winds.
Of course, if I catch on to this fact, I can stop, turn to Him in prayer, “be still and know that He is God. He will be exalted among the nations, He exalted in the earth,” and get my balance back.
I don’t have this perfected yet, but it does work for me.
So I commend the practice to you.
And I finish with a little perspective from a pastor I never heard of until today:
Andy Stanley to 45+ generation – 1.24.16
PEACE
♞
