Purveyors of Fear

May 25, 2021

Psalm 119:11 "I have stored up your word in my heart, that I may not sin against you."

There is a very famous talk show host who ends his show with these words from John 14:27 - "Let not your hearts be troubled." At first, I was impressed that he would end his show with such hopeful words from the Bible, but then the light went on. He is paid, like many of his counterparts, to scare the living daylights out of us about all that is happening in this world. All these people have platforms on "news stations", but actually editorialize and mostly invite experts on that already agree with their own ideology. My husband and I refer to them all as talking heads. 

So, how can this person end his show with this part of a verse from the Bible when he spews vitriol, judgement, and hatred for an hour five nights a week? Well, I certainly would never say he is not a believer, because I do not know the content of his heart. What I do know is that these words are difficult to hear after spending an hour in a fright-fest with him and his guests. After watching these kinds of editorial "news" talk shows (and it matters little which station you watch), people are almost never at peace. The only purpose they serve is to rile their audience up and solidify the horrible division that is so pervasive in our world. This is not of God. 

Are we called to speak the truth of God's words publicly and powerfully? Indeed we are, but our goal should always be bringing people to a knowledge of the saving grace of Christ, not to pervert God's word for political purposes or to uphold our own ideals and agendas. As believers, we need to come against such actions, pray for those involved in deepening the divide, and share the truth of God's word with faithfulness, love and grace. 

The entirety of John 14:27 is as follows in the NIV: "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." I cannot help but notice that the "do not be afraid" portion is omitted from the nightly signoff. Why? It is because the media's job in our current culture is to keep us fearful. This is why we need to turn from these purveyors of fear and seek peace in the one who does not give as the world gives, our Lord.

Never Alone

 

5/22/2021

Psalm 46:10 "Be still and know that I am God..."

Most of us experience loneliness. Sometimes that can happen even when we have people all around us. I know this has often been true for me. Sometimes I even feel lonely when those I am closest to are with me; that is when life gets really difficult. 

This past year has certainly been one of not just loneliness, but actual isolation for a lot of folks. No face-to-face visits or hugs, and even a comforting smile was obscured by face-coverings. Having casual chats with neighbors on a walk or with strangers in a store became obsolete in favor of keeping your head down and rushing past people to stay safe. It was such a sad and damaging time for us all. Now, thankfully, that is changing with people being vaccinated.  

One thing that I know for sure is that, even when I feel completely alone and forgotten by everyone, I am NEVER forgotten by Jesus. He is always right beside me, waiting for me to come to Him with all that is inside of me. No matter how badly I am struggling, or how crazy I may be, He accepts and loves me just as I am. He truly is the only one who does - or maybe even can - fully love me that way. I know this is true for me, and it is also true for you. All any of us needs to do is be still and let Him hold us in His arms. When others let us down, we can always be sure that He never will.