“Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him.” Proverbs 30:5
Fake news, false accusations, hidden agendas, blatant lies. It seems like so much of what I hear or read about things in the world end up being grossly skewed, yet the true facts are not revealed before causing great turmoil in the hearts of the public. I imagine if every falsehood was somehow made known, the noses on the faces of the Pinocchio-esque liars would be constantly poking each other on a regular basis!
I admit when I read or hear about current events, I often get an unsettled feeling in the pit of my stomach. The longer I dwell on these things, the more intense the distress within me becomes, so I go to the only source of pure truth that I know – the Bible.
God’s Word gives me peace and comfort as I rest in Him, and that awful feeling within me dissipates as I am reminded who is really in control (Isaiah 14:24). Even if all the horrible stories I hear about were to end up being true, God is still the One who holds everything in His hands. Nothing catches Him off guard; there is nothing He is not aware of nor is there anything in which He lacks control. That includes the political situations both here and abroad, global warming, financial markets, health scares… everything is in God’s control. I can truly rest easy for the truth of God’s Word protects and shields me from the fears generated from the lies of the world.
Time to turn off the news, shutdown my computer, and open up my Bible. I need its sweet words to calm my spirit and restore peace to my soul (Philippians 4:7).
When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say,
It is well, it is well with my soul.
(from “It Is Well With My Soul” by Horatio Spafford)
“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” Philippians 4:8
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“If we have not quiet in our minds, outward comfort will do no more for us than a golden slipper on a gouty foot.” – John Bunyun