Conspiracies, Asteroids & Bravery
It’s been a while since I’ve had the privilege to guest blog. How are you doing through this year? Has your stress level been high? What has been your go-to through the last 6 months…binge watching shows, exercising, house projects? I’m a “yes” to that question. I want to share something that has helped me more than any of those things, and I’m hoping it may be a help to you too.
Psalm 73:25-26 says, “Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”
I have found focusing on this truth is changing my perspective and lowering my stress level. Living this scripture can be a catalyst for us to turn our focus and hope toward our eternal God rather than what is happening in this world.
Desire means a conscious impulse toward something that promises enjoyment or satisfaction in its attainment; something longed or hoped for. What are we consciously focused on? What are we looking to attain that we believe will give us enjoyment and satisfaction? Are we living in a way that says, “earth has NOTHING I desire besides you (God)” or are we seeking satisfaction FROM this world?
There’s a lot of weariness of heart in people today. The scripture doesn’t stop at, “My flesh and my heart may fail”, it also says, “but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” THAT is where our hope and strength is. In the midst of a failing heart there is strength in God. In the midst of weariness we are infused by strength and vigor when we turn to the God of eternity. He has promised to be WITH us until the end (Matthew 28:20). He is with YOU!
When we get an eternal focus on life, the cares and concerns of this world begin to fade…and your blood pressure begins to steady out. Holding loosely to this world, is key for us right now. In the end, it doesn’t matter about masks or no masks; who wins the election; if conspiracy theories are true or not; if someone “cancels” us because we believe different than them; or even if an asteroid hits the earth on Election Day (which just may be the best thing that could happen-LOL!). This world is not forever; only God and eternity is.
No matter what may come, we can rest assured that the living, loving Creator of all things still sits on the throne; He still promises to be with us to the end; He is still the same yesterday, today and forever; He is eternal; He is Emmanuel - God WITH us; and He has gone to make a place for us in heaven. Knowing those things is how we can hold loosely to the happenings of this world.
I want to encourage you as Psalm 31:24 says, “Be brave. Be strong. Don’t give up. Expect God to get here soon.” At some point this thing called earth is going to wrap up. This world is not our final destination (see Hebrews 13:14). In the meantime, let’s be brave and be strong, knowing that God is with us and that the day is coming where we will be with Him in eternity. Now, THAT is something to look forward too.
Let’s turn our longing & hope from politics to God (though please still get out and vote); shut off the news and pick up the Bible (the youversion app is a great option); turn off the podcasts, music (yup, even worship music), cell phones, binge watching and simply talk to God…then be quiet and listen (we’re not so good at that part); instead of getting worked up by all the hate, show someone some love today (especially someone we don’t agree with completely); stop posting divisive comments on social media and post that which is gracious and kind (see Philippians 4:8) or post nothing (if you have nothing good to say).
Are you weary of heart? I know where you can go. Matthew 11:28 says, “Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.”
Jesus is waiting and ready for you to come, so He can give you rest.
Know that you’re loved much! Be brave!
Dean