Lately, the news has been anything but encouraging. A shooting at a Christian school, higher inflation with no end in sight, train derailments, murders, and child abuse seem to be the headlines that are trending in our news. How cruel this world has become where evil seems to run rampant. It can bring anyone to despair if we let our minds dwell on these frightening events. Yet, has anything really changed? According to King Solomon, we should not be surprised. He writes in Ecclesiastes 1:9: "What has been is what will be, and what has been done is what will be done, and there is nothing new under the sun."
Even in the days that our Lord walked the earth, there was violence, murder and mayhem all around. We can only imagine the depth of evil that was unleashed upon Jesus as he was savagely flogged, beaten and then crucified. He, who knew no sin, became sin for us and took our punishment upon the cross. While He made clear to the disciples what would happen, they still could not fathom the awful events to come. As things unfolded, think how their hearts must have agonized as they witnessed the execution of the Messiah. All their hopes for the deliverance of Israel suddenly crushed because their minds had been paralyzed by what they saw played out before them. But then, came Sunday....the day of Resurrection. Hope is reborn anew on that day not just for the disciples but for all who trust in the name of Jesus Christ. This is why the Apostle Paul is able to pen some words in his letter to the Philippians that we all need to take to heart when the gloom and doom of this evil world system seems to overwhelm us.
In the closing of his letter to this church, Paul gives the most heartfelt instructions to believers to help them see beyond daily circumstances. In Chapter 4:4-7, he writes: "Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, 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 your minds in Christ Jesus." Here he makes plain that if we want our minds to be at rest, we need to begin with prayer and thanksgiving. When we release our concerns and worries to the Lord, He hears us and gives us a peace of mind that is unshakeable. Likewise, we should be rejoicing in the Lord each day because as we lift Him up we are also lifted up. There is much to be thankful for in Christ!
Paul goes on to write what is probably the richest instruction for all our hearts in verses 8-9: "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. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me - practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you." Not only is this practical advice...it is critical in our world of high stress and devastating news. So how do we fill our minds with good thoughts?
First, turn off the T.V., radio, internet and social media for a while. Read God's Word instead and keep your eyes focused on the Lord Jesus Christ. This is true not just for the holiday celebrations of Christmas and Easter. It is true for the whole year! Filling our thoughts with God's Word will transform our minds and renew them. A steady diet of tragedy, crime, political division and evil will only lead to despondency. Instead, be proactive and as Paul said, "what you have learned, and received and heard and seen in me - practice these things". While we cannot observe Paul in the flesh, we have the words which Paul wrote under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. Therefore, we can learn, receive and see by the teaching of the Holy Spirit as we read the Bible. Practicing our Christian faith, leads to God's peace in our lives.
Secondly, spend some serious time in prayer telling God your concerns and worries. He is sovereign and has promised to hear us when we call to Him in Jesus' name. Then, we need to leave what we have told Him in His hands. He is trustworthy. He is immutable (unchanging), and He will never leave nor forsake us. His answers are based on what we need...not on what we want. However, giving ourselves in prayer to Him offers us a peace of mind not to be found anywhere else.
Finally, we need to remember something which the disciples seemed to forget during the turmoil that led to the crucifixion of our Lord. Sunday is coming! For us, this means that Jesus is coming back for His bride, the church. We do not know when but we know that His promises are certain. His resurrection is proof positive and the giving of His Holy Spirit that dwells within us is a seal of the New Covenant made with believers. As a result, stand firm. Don't let the enemy of our soul fill our minds with negative thinking that tears us down. Instead, follow and practice what the Lord has shown us in His Word and may the peace of God which passes all understanding guard our hearts and minds in Christ, Jesus! Selah!
