“Let us beware allowing our spiritual comforts to rise and fall with world news or the changing world situations. We who lean upon Jesus and trust in the watchful love of a heavenly Father are not dependent upon these things for our peace. For children of the new creation, the darker the night, the brighter faith shines and the sooner comes the morning.” These are the words of A.W. Tozer, written over fifty years ago. They are eerily relevant to our world today. I am amazed and thankful, even awestruck, at how those who dedicated their lives to God continue to speak to us long after their time on earth has past. In this era of terrorism, disease, and constant unrest, followers of Jesus should not allow the circumstances around us to affect the purpose of our lives.
I have a habit I instilled some time ago of not even looking at the news until after noon, and never after 6:00 PM. There is rarely an uplifting story, and it is poisonous to begin or end your day by filling your mind with thoughts of violence and loss. We know we live in a fallen world and don’t need the media to further sensationalize it for us. Paul told us that we should fill our minds with whatever is true, honorable, just, lovely, commendable, moral, or praiseworthy (Philippians 4:8). These things nurture our minds and bring us closer to the mind of Christ. It’s how we keep ourselves from depression and succumbing to the fear that Satan is peddling. Remember, God is love and there is no fear in love (1 John 4:18). Be assured, if you are fearful, the solution is simply to focus on the beauty of Jesus.
When we know Jesus, we have peace. We know that He has defeated fear, sickness, injury, deformity, and even death. He is victorious over all things. Through His blood, we also have the same victories. We are no longer dependent on any circumstance to provide us with the opportunity to rest. Jesus said when we are tired, frustrated, and in despair, we need only come into His presence, and He will give us the rest we desire (Matthew 11:28).
I love the image of, “The darker the night, the brighter faith shines, and the sooner comes the morning.” When facing the attacks of Satan, our prayers stir an angelic force to fight on our behalf. The glory of God shines magnificently into the conflict. Our hope is in Jesus, and He has promised us victory before we even begin (John 16:33; Romans 8:37). As this world spirals down into untold evil and despair, we know it means the Kingdom of God is that much closer to being established on earth. We need not fear darkness, but eagerly ride into its teeth knowing that the glorious hope of Jesus is just beyond the veil.
Don’t fear what you see and read on the news. Hold fast to your faith in the Creator and Sustainer of all things. Despite the best efforts of all the agents of freewill, we cannot thwart His overarching and sovereign plan. The end is already settled. God, and all those who stand with Him, has defeated the enemy. No circumstance can change that. Tune out the fear, and rest in His love.