Headlines

It is hard to look at all that is happening by the enemy's hand in this world, especially in our own more intimate world, and not be angry or disheartened. But, we strive to do as Jeremiah (Lamentations 3) and keep the knowing of who our God is at the forefront of our thinking. We remember His mercy, lovingkindness, goodness, compassion, and, encompassing those, His faithfulness to His Word. We call these things to mind so we have hope. He does have all things in His hand. No matter what it looks like, He is at work. His purpose will be accomplished. These things have been going on since Adam and Eve walked out of the Garden, but God is still God. And history is moving to the culmination He has planned. It may not look like it, but the victory IS His.

 

Paul's words of Philippians 4:8 also help me--they hang where I see them at my desk. "Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things." One of my friends said, that's Jesus. I think she is right. We are to keep Jesus at the forefront of our thinking. We are to focus on Jesus. We are to filter everything, every circumstance, through Jesus.

 

I also think it helps us to remember Paul's words of Ephesians 6. The fight isn't against "them" but against the real enemy, the prince of this world. That's why we pray. But it's also why the enemy uses the headlines, social media, etc. to sidetrack us—to keep our thoughts from our Excellent One and from prayer.

 

I pray for you and me that we can keep our eyes fixed on Him so courage and kindness rule our lives amidst this darkness. Those are what will help us be bright shining lights to hold out the Word of Life, live in hope AND keep praying.