There is no shortage of bad news these days. There are countries like Haiti, facing unparalleled devastation. We hear of threats of war from powers armed with nuclear capabilities. The focus of most news outlets is the same – a steady stream of hatred, one-sided reporting, judgment, hypocrisy, and dishonesty. And in this election year, it seems like the only break we get from the politics of it all is the story of some mass murder or threat of disease.
Closer to home, dishonesty seems to be growing. Humility is rare. Apologies almost unheard of, while compromise is a way of life. For those in their 2nd half or 4th quarter of life, it’s likely also safe to add the challenges that arise from the loss of family, friends, neighbors, and deteriorating health.
In our everyday lives, there are temptations everywhere, and saying “no” has never been harder. Resistance to what is offered as normative in our media and politics requires creating strict boundaries even around our exposure to such. As an example, we are being steadily influenced to accept lifestyles that only a few years ago would have been branded as outlandish or bizarre. It seems the more perverse the behavior, the greater the media coverage. In stark absence are the many acts of kindness, generosity and reconciliation that are rarely made known to the public.
The Lens Through Which We See
It’s easy to observe the many problems around us, but not so easy to prescribe answers or solutions. So, how do we stay positive in such negative circumstances and environments? I do believe it’s essential to find and apply disciplined measures toward things that are overwhelmingly negative. Yet there is only one primary answer I find myself offering repeatedly to the many problems before us.
The most sound response we can take against being swallowed up in the negativity is to find our answers in God’s Word. Does that approach surprise you? I hope not, for it’s truly the only place in which we can find comfort void of the promise of some false sense of the future. Scripture details where we, and the world around us, is heading. Our circumstances only confirm the accuracy of what is written in the Bible. 2 Corinthians 4:16 provides encouragement for all that is negative when it says, “Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day” (NIV).
Sustained by Longing
The Apostle Paul had more than his share of trouble including many trying to put him to death. The problems of his day were no better than ours, yet he was sustained by his longing to serve the Lord no matter how much opposition or attack he faced. Hebrews 12:1-3 offers this encouragement for us to live in the same manner. “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfector of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition for sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart” (NIV).
So, what’s our answer to resist negativity? It is to fully surrender ourselves to pursuing God’s will for our lives. Our answer is to fix our affections on things above (Colossians 3:2). And our answer must also be to not be surprised at the “fiery trials” we face or think it strange when all these negative things occur (1 Peter 4:12).
Seek and You Will Find
God is found and shines brightest as the world becomes darker. But to find Him and experience His light, we must seek Him (Deuteronomy 4:29). We must be serious about becoming Kingdom-minded, not focused on pursuing the pleasures of this life, but looking to Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. Jesus has promised to never leave us or forsake us, and it is His promises, faithfulness, forgiveness, and love that will sustain us through every challenge we face.
So, will you choose to fix your eyes and hearts on Jesus, rather than on the steady stream of “wars and rumors of war” (Mark 13:7) and all the negativity around us? I’m not asking you to ignore what is happening or to simply quote a Scripture and then flippantly pretend things will be ok. Rather, by fixing our eyes and hearts on the One Who suffered and died to give us life, and life more abundant, we are reminded of what is true. Friends, only the truth of God’s Word can reset our wandering hearts and thoughts. We must “feed” regularly on His Word, instead of what the politics and media of our day attempt to “feed” us. In this way, we will be empowered and enabled to stand firm and endure instead of being swallowed up in our own set of difficulties.
Together, let us lift high and reverence our God by choosing to live holy lives, knowing that in doing so His light will shine in the darkness and the darkness will not and cannot overcome it! (John 1:5).
