DO NOT DESPAIR
Constant rhetoric. People advocating and performing violence, murder and destruction.
Accusations. False witnesses. Greed. Anger. Anarchy.
Our hearts and minds are barraged by evildoing.
Too much information. False information.
Fear of potentially deadly, highly contagious disease as well as the rewriting of history.
Isolation. Many on the brink of despair.
Sex trafficking.
History repeating itself. Will we ever learn?
What does The Bible say we should do?
As Christians, we need be aware of what is happening around us and do our part in fighting injustices.
God will call each of us to take position and action against evil.
BUT meditating on the evils and fears that abound is a dangerous thing.
“For as a man thinks in his heart, so is he.” (Proverbs 23:7) In other words, what we think about is what we become.
I am not normally an angry person. But I have a situation that brings me anger. If I were to describe it, you would be likely be angry as well.
Perhaps you have a situation or situations in your life that make you angry or fearful or overwhelmed.
So how do we deal with this and other long-term situations without becoming an angry, fearful person?
1. Stay in God’s Word.
That means reading what He says as often as possible.
During these times of isolation, I am thankful to be in internet Bible Study group. There are many. In whatever way, we all need to stay in touch with other Christians who study God’s Word in order to share and learn. If not, we are simply pulling from our own isolated thoughts and feelings and will not likely change and grow very much in our faith. And our hearts are in danger of being hardened. When our hearts become hardened, we will be filled with fear, resentment, bitterness, pride and anger.
2. Think about what you meditate upon.
Likely, we all have thoughts of anger and even fear concerning current events and other situations in our lives. But if we meditate on things that make us angry or fearful, we will become angry, fearful persons. It is imperative that we guard our hearts with The Word of God, lest our hearts be hardened.
“Guard your heart with all diligence for it determines the course of your life.” (Proverbs 4:23 NLT)
A heart that’s submitted to God, produces His Fruit: “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” (Galatians 5:22,23)
3. God tells us what to meditate upon.
“Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things arejust, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. (Phil. 4:8)
We are to meditate on what is true, noble, just, pure, lovely, good reports, virtuous, and praiseworthy.
What is true and noble in your life?
What is just or lovely?
Think of good reports: ________________
Think upon those things which are virtuous and praiseworthy: __________
4. Don’t cease to rejoice and pray.
“Rejoice in the Lord always. Again, I will say, rejoice! Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:4-7)
Praising God and praying to God brings us peace and guards our hearts. No wonder the enemy throws so many thoughts at us that makes it seem that we are too busy to pray and rejoice. For when we do so, our hearts and minds are guarded in Christ Jesus.
