It’s so easy to get overwhelmed watching the news or our circumstances around us. But fear isn’t for the Believer. It says in 1 John 4:18,
There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear
So what do we do in light of the difficult circumstances around us? Listen carefully, the job of a news outlet is to magnify problems, instilling fear, to keep their audience tuned in. But we’re called as Believers, to do the opposite. We’re called to magnify His Word. So if we’re focused on the world, we will begin to look like the world. But if we’re focused on the Lord, we will begin to look more like Him.
I need to add it’s very important to have a healthy awareness of what’s going on in the world as it is getting darker so we can pray against those circumstances as God has called us to do. Therefore, glance at the problems so you know how to pray but gaze at God. It says in 1 Timothy 2:1-4
Therefore, I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercession and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that WE may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.
We need to know what’s going on to pray against those circumstances so we may lead a quiet and peaceable life. Listen to Phil 4:6-7 which says
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
Notice the Word says there is something we need to guard our hearts and minds from? The following scriptures tell us what to focus on to guard our hearts and minds. In Phil 4:8-9 it says,
Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, 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. The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.
In other words, we need to guard our hearts and minds from whatever is horrible, not pure, untrue, unjust, not lovely, not of good report, not noble. If we’re focusing on the negative events of this world, the negative report, the peace of God will not protect us and we look like the world, not guarding our hearts and minds.
Are you spending more time watching the news or reading your Bible? If you’re focusing on the news, your mind will automatically become carnal, like the world’s. If you’re focusing on a horrible tv program, bad music, or the negative doctor’s report, you’re not guarding your heart and mind; peace will not be there.
God has called us to renew our minds in His Word. As believers in Jesus Christ, we’re called to stand out, to be a beacon of hope for the lost, to be different, so others may desire what we have! If we act like the world, why would anyone desire to know the love of Christ? Hence our focus needs to be on the Lord, so we can be a light in this dark world.
How did David defeat Goliath? He didn’t focus on how tall or scary Goliath was. It says in the Word that the Israelites were afraid. But David didn’t allow what he could see with his natural eyes to affect him. He knew who his God was because of the time David had spent in the wilderness as a Shepherd boy, praising Him, thanking Him, talking to Him, singing to Him. The scriptures that David wrote through the Holy Spirit, are the scriptures for you and I to do exactly as he did!
Instead of watching television or the news, or focusing on the circumstances around us, focus on the Word of God. His promises are for us today! Read the Word daily. Our responsibility as the world becomes darker, is to meditate on His Word. It is alive! Find a scripture that speaks to your heart. Read it forward and backwards. Put emphasis on different words. Ask the Holy Spirit to keep that scripture in your mind all day, so that it builds up your faith. Finally, sing praises to Him and be thankful. These are the tools that will give you victory.
Joshua 1:9 – Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not tremble or be dismayed for the Lord your God is it’s you wherever you go.