In our modern digital age where we can get the news 24/7 on our cell phones, laptops, tablets and desk tops, I find that I have to limit myself in looking at it. There is so much crime, evil, and negative reports on the air around the clock that it would cause anyone to feel blue. When I was growing up, we had local news and some national news but not to the extent that we have today. Unfortunately, today, we are overwhelmed by some of the stories we hear; so it is far better to reduce time on T.V. and increase time in God's Word. After all, we need "Good News" each day, and along those lines, a dear friend and I began a Bible study some months ago on Romans 8. Now there is something to cheer about!
If we find ourselves dealing with any of the following, we need a good dose of Romans 8: anxiety, depression, lack of assurance, condemnation, or fear (to name a few). Of course the entire book of Romans is a power house of truth which makes clear our need for Christ. When we started on chapter 8, it was supposedly a six-week study but we found that we needed more time to process and work our way through this. The verses that really pack a positive punch are found in Romans 8:31-39: "31 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? 33 Who shall bring any charge against God's elect? It is God who justifies. 34 Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us.[b] 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? 36 As it is written,
“For your sake we are being killed all the day long;
we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.”
37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord."
Please read these words over and over again. In fact, read the entire chapters that come before these words. What God has done for us is amazing beyond comprehension! The best part is that nothing can ever separate us from His love. No power, no political system, no person....absolutely nothing in this world can tear us out of His arms. Now isn't that better than watching the news or reading it? This news is what our souls need, my friends!
Interestingly enough, after our Bible study today, I began to read Todd Friel's book entitled: "Stressed Out: A Practical, Biblical Approach to Anxiety" and part way through the book, he emphasized Romans 8:31-39. Coincidence? No, God's providence! Defeating all the negative thinking in our lives requires us to be students of God's Word rather than listening to hours of the world's view on all things. We know this is a fallen world so why spend lots of time hearing about all the negative news of the day? Can we do anything about it? Can we change things by getting upset? No...but God can do miraculous things when we pray, read His Word and meditate on it. He works in us and transforms our thinking. If we are to be salt and light in this world, we must first immerse ourselves in the Good News of Jesus Christ.
Instead of parking in front of the T.V. and allowing the enemy to shoot darts at my heart all evening through the bad news I listen to, I would much rather follow the Apostle Paul's advice found in Philippians 4:8: "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things." I commend to all that spending time reading and re-reading Romans 8:31-39 will do your heart good! This will bring glory to God! Selah!
No comments:
Post a Comment