As we look around our world today, there is no end to chaotic and discouraging news of every sort. Whether it falls into the categories of government corruption, economic woes, cultural disintegration, environmental degradation, conflict and war in virtually every corner of the world, or catastrophes of every other kind, discouraging news has been—and likely will always be—the order of the day in this fallen world.
Scripture, in virtually every reference to the world, describes it as a people who know no peace and who are consistently out for themselves at the expense of others. My point here is not that there is never any good news or any peace in the world, but that when the world continues to act like the world, we should not be surprised. Scripture also instructs us in Philippians not to be discouraged by this worry and chaos but “with thanksgiving” combat it by trusting in God and submitting everything to Him in prayer.
“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.” Philippians 4:6-7 (ESV)
In a passage of Scripture that, from a prophetic standpoint, has been greatly debated, depending on a person‘s eschatological position, Luke recounts our Lord’s instruction and admonition surrounding the fall of Jerusalem, which took place in 70 AD, as well as events leading up to His final return. The timing of these events has been the subject of considerable debate over the centuries. However, the focal point for this writing is His statement of “… when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near” (Luke 21:28 NKJV). While Jesus’ intent, was to provide some level of prophetic instruction, His main point in this section is when you see all of these terrible things take place in the world do not lose hope. They are merely indications that the sovereign plan of God is unfolding exactly as He ordained, down to the smallest detail. It will one day culminate in His great and glorious return in a manner that while we imagine it, I suspect we do so in a significantly underestimated fashion. The encouragement here is that the Lord continues to be—and always has been—on His throne. Chaos and conflict do not, in any way, affect that.
As you look at the constant flow of news reports and new developments, respond as scripture instructs us by submitting these things to the Lord in prayer and focusing your trust and attention on him rather than the things of the world. I’ll leave you with the words of Paul on this topic from 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 to encourage you to think and act differently in front of a watching world.
“Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer person is decaying, yet our inner person is being renewed day by day. For our momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison, while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal” (NASB).