No Fear of Bad News
Surely the righteous will never be shaken; they will be remembered forever.
They will have no fear of bad news; their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the Lord. Psalm 112.6-7
It’s that time again – the nightly news on television. With a mixture of curiosity and dread, I often feel like standing in front of our TV before watching and loudly proclaiming “Jesus is Lord!”
Just to remind myself of who is truly in control of this world. So I can be prompted to trust the Lord when I hear of injustice, pandemic virus, random shootings, or see film footage of grown-ups behaving badly. When controversy and culture-shift cause me to question both the leadership and lordship in this country.
The psalmist says the righteous “will never be shaken” and “have no fear of bad news,” but I confess that I am often shaken to the core. With worry and anxiety about the world my children and grandchildren are inheriting.
British theologian John Stott once said we should approach each day with a Bible in one hand and the newspaper in the other. God calls us to be in the world but not of the world. So I can’t just ignore the nightly news. Though, I must admit, I have greatly reduced my consumption of news in recent weeks — for my mental and emotional health.
How to maintain this delicate dance of trusting God while living among often untrustworthy voices? The psalmist says the answer lies in having a “steadfast heart.” This word steadfast means to stand firm under difficulty, to never waiver.
May God strengthen our hearts and minds today and always.
Lord, when the world’s news overwhelms and frightens me, may I always remember that You are worthy and in control. Amen.
under the mercy, Lucinda
“Helping You Choose a Life of Serenity and Strength”
This blog is an adaptation from one of my 30 devotions featured in a beautiful new journal “Where Are You God — Learning to Trust When Times are Tough” This is a beautiful 365 day leather flex journal which you can order HERE.
©2020 Lucinda Secrest McDowell
Soul Strong just released! Order “SOUL STRONG” Today …. More about Soul Strong HERE.
Check out my new companion devotional book “Life-Giving Choices – 60 Days to What Matters Most” by Lucinda Secrest McDowell Order Today!
Your good words come at a time when our country is in such turmoil. Thank-you so much.
So good to hear from you Ginny - hope you are well.
Just read yet another letter or article on what we ‘need’ to do in my work environment that has pushed away our God/Christ belief and now forms committees to try and solve the problems. Thank you. Needed the grounding this morning before I blew my top!
Thank you Cindy!!
Continuing to listen, trying to understand and laying it at the cross!💗💗🙏
That’s all any of us can do right now. God will light the way.
God is with you, Tammy Sue, and He will clearly show you the way…
An excellent word for today. Thank you Cindy.
Thanks BFF. You are always there to encourage me.
Amen. God is in control when are lives and circumstances are out of control. Valuable lesson I learned a long time ago. Also listen to the news once and shut it off!
You are a great example. Thanks Nancy.
We are both feeling the pain, my friend. Good words. Thank you for your faithfulness in writing. In bearing witness. In being, as Joni wrote, “a finger pointing to a God who is far more good and beautiful than we imagine.” I too am needing to limit the news.
Yes! God is so very good. Be well, friend.
So good!
Thank you, Lucinda.
Wow. Thanks Michele. Keep writing.
We need to hear these words and remember them EVERY day! Thank you Cindy!
Yes, Kathy. Too easy to forget…. Stay well.
Thank you for these encouraging and timely words. I’m so grateful that we Know and Trust The One who’s really in control and who has a good plan for us, despite what our eyes may see.
Amen, sister!
Thank for your timely and wise post. I stand with you in remembering that we are in the world and not of the world. We belong to Jesus, and He is not surprised by anything happening in our country right now. I also am limiting my time watching the news and listening to it.
So great to hear from you, Evelyn. Be well.