When I think about the future and what may or may not happen, I instinctively think about Hollywood's vision of it. I'm not referring to the dreamy future of hoverboards, flying cars, and artificial intelligence meekly subservient to man (which I would rather envision). No, I think of the far darker and dreadful nightmare scenarios that have been created: nuclear war against killer cyborgs, a zombie apocalypse and the struggles to survive in its aftermath, a fight against a Big Brother entity bent on imposing its will on its subjects. These are some of the well-known examples of movies and television speaking to some of our deepest fears about an unknown future. We are also fed an unending news cycle of despair and gloom each day in the media, whether we watch cable TV news or check the headlines online. Is it any wonder we can think about the future and lose hope?
In all honesty, I have no idea what the world will be like in ten, twenty, or a hundred years. I don't even know what will happen tomorrow. Jesus spoke of this in Matthew 6:34, telling us that tomorrow will worry about itself. So maybe the best thing to do would be to live one day at a time, and not try to imagine how the future may or may not turn out. In doing this, I can get the grace, joy, and peace to live for the day that I am living now. God holds the future, and He does not want His children to be fearful of the future. Even the worst one that Hollywood can come up with.
Sunday, October 20, 2019
Friday, October 18, 2019
Turning Off The News
For my own health and sanity, I have realized the need to turn off the news. Even Fox News. Not read or watch it at all. All the shrill voices coming from Washington and throughout the nation and world. The poison of cynicism seeps from my computer screen as I glance over the headlines and commentaries. I can't even look at a local paper without thinking about feeling like everything around me is hopeless. It is just too depressing for me. I have no desire for any in-depth discussion of the things that are in the headlines today; I will only become fearful and depressed. And this is why I have decided to just turn it off. Walk away from it, especially if it's going to have the effect it has had.
But then again, isn't that what Jesus calls us to? To not worry and fear about the world that He has overcome (John 16:33). Though the world screams loudly each day, troubles surround us, and so many things instantly bring fear and apprehension in our hearts, one thing is constant: Jesus is there in the midst of it all. None of what is going on in the world, or in our lives at any moment, is any surprise to Him. There is nothing in all of His creation that is out of His control. The Holy Spirit is comforting us, reminding us of His peace and presence, speaking the Father's love into our hearts, and assuring us that we are not abandoned to this world. Not only this, but that the plans He has for us are far more meaningful and soul-fulfilling than anything the world can come up with. This is the news that brings hope to the world. So, feel free to turn off the news if you like, but stay tuned to the Good News of Jesus Christ, today and every day!
Sunday, October 13, 2019
In The Face Of Anxiety
I will be honest and confess: I struggle with anxiety. It has been this way for much of my life. I am convinced that much of my anxiety deals with financial matters. Will I have enough money to pay the bills? What if something happens? (As I write this, I am dealing with a situation involving plumbing in my house that has been creating much anxiety. I will post an update). Sometimes it feels like I am one misstep or mishap away from falling into the abyss.
But it doesn't stop there. For instance, I fear I will be abandoned and left alone for the rest of my life. This is not simply about finding a significant other, but having others by my side through the best and worst of times. Or worse yet, what if God doesn't come through for me? Every "What If" my mind can possibly conceive comes creeping into my mind, and every worst-case scenario as well. It is no way to live life. It is also not good for me physically, as I have discovered that my body can heat up and it can feel like I am burning alive on the inside. Not a comfortable feeling.
So, after putting the problem in a nutshell, I know the solution is to be still and know that He is God, and His presence is there regardless of whatever my mind is telling me. It is hard for me, and I am writing to myself here as much as anyone else. It is easy for me to come undone in the face of situations where I am all too familiar with how I will react by default, by my own weakness. So once again I need to be reminded of the many things God has made plain through His Word:
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Phil. 4:6-7)
God is reminding me in His still voice to do this. He intimately knows this child of His, and the things that trigger him, even better that I do myself. The challenge is to block out the voices of anxiety and dread that take my eyes off of Jesus and to let His Word and His Spirit comfort my heart and soul. He has promised not to abandon me, and whatever He has led me to, He will lead me through. He has done it so many times before, and He will do it again.
But it doesn't stop there. For instance, I fear I will be abandoned and left alone for the rest of my life. This is not simply about finding a significant other, but having others by my side through the best and worst of times. Or worse yet, what if God doesn't come through for me? Every "What If" my mind can possibly conceive comes creeping into my mind, and every worst-case scenario as well. It is no way to live life. It is also not good for me physically, as I have discovered that my body can heat up and it can feel like I am burning alive on the inside. Not a comfortable feeling.
So, after putting the problem in a nutshell, I know the solution is to be still and know that He is God, and His presence is there regardless of whatever my mind is telling me. It is hard for me, and I am writing to myself here as much as anyone else. It is easy for me to come undone in the face of situations where I am all too familiar with how I will react by default, by my own weakness. So once again I need to be reminded of the many things God has made plain through His Word:
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Phil. 4:6-7)
God is reminding me in His still voice to do this. He intimately knows this child of His, and the things that trigger him, even better that I do myself. The challenge is to block out the voices of anxiety and dread that take my eyes off of Jesus and to let His Word and His Spirit comfort my heart and soul. He has promised not to abandon me, and whatever He has led me to, He will lead me through. He has done it so many times before, and He will do it again.
Saturday, October 12, 2019
A Poem From An Anxious Heart
This poem has come out of recent troubles I have been experiencing.
He's been with me through thick and thin
His grace has pardoned all my sin
He's held my teardrops in his hands
It's in His power that I stand
Through troubled days and sleepless nights
When I can see no end in sight
He calls me to lay in His rest
And truly know His plans are best
Why are you fearful oh my soul?
You dread that you will be alone
Just look to Jesus and be free
From fear dread and anxiety
Nothing's too hard for Him to heal
He's felt everything that you feel
You feel too weak to carry on
It's in your weakness He is strong
His love is greater than you know
His plans are bigger than your own
Just trust in Him He'll be your guide
He always be right by your side
He's been with me through thick and thin
His grace has pardoned all my sin
He's held my teardrops in his hands
It's in His power that I stand
Through troubled days and sleepless nights
When I can see no end in sight
He calls me to lay in His rest
And truly know His plans are best
Why are you fearful oh my soul?
You dread that you will be alone
Just look to Jesus and be free
From fear dread and anxiety
Nothing's too hard for Him to heal
He's felt everything that you feel
You feel too weak to carry on
It's in your weakness He is strong
His love is greater than you know
His plans are bigger than your own
Just trust in Him He'll be your guide
He always be right by your side
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