I have always marveled at people who could set aside their cares and press on, in spite of sometimes daunting circumstances. However as my walk with the Lord grows deeper, I realize that this ability is available to all of us, if we follow His example.
There is an endless supply of troublesome news, seemingly everywhere we look and listen. Personally, I avoid as much as I can, probably because we choose not to have a television in our home (but we do have internet, so news IS readily available IF we want it.) I know this is contrary to the norm in most homes today.
While most Americans (even those who are Christ followers) would likely say they simply want a peaceful life, it alludes a large majority of them. But I’ve got your answer – or I should say, God’s word has OUR answer. No surprise there, so let me take you back to the pages of Paul’s letter to the Philippians, chapter 4. Many of you will be very familiar with verses 8 and 9:
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. 9 The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.
Now verse 8 has made its way onto many a plaque, picture, or tea towel but like so many other places in God’s word, you can’t just extract a verse without looking around to see additional instruction in its vicinity. Verse 8 directs our thoughts; verse 9 directs our actions.
While the world would have us glued to our television sets, checking social media, or reading the tabloids for a steady diet of stress-du-jour, these verses offer a recipe for the peace many of us lack. If we do set our minds on that which is true, noble, just, and pure…well, who could argue we’d not be the better for it? Consider those things that are of “good report” – what???? Where exactly will we find those ‘things’ – not online, of this I’m certain!
If our minds are busy pondering (and no doubt fretting over the things of the world) is it any wonder we feel stressed? However, if we meditate (think on) the things of God, what does it tell us will happen? Specifically it says if we do those things that are biblical examples – what we have heard and seen done, THEN the God of PEACE will be ON us! So by immersing ourselves in God’s word and NOT in the world and the not-so-good reports it offers, we have the ability to do exactly what brings peace to our lives, God’s word says so, and that’s a sure fire guarantee we can count on.
Now, with your eyes on Him, and following His example, focus on what He has called you to, and GO BE AWESOME!