Beheadings. Bombs. Bad news.

The horrific information today threatens to deeply disrupt me.

But here is what I know: Good News also abounds.

Yes, there is a steady stream of really bad, devastating, awful, heart-breaking, faith-shaking bad news every-single-day. Because every day, there’s more bad news than one heart could ever handle.  But we also need to know and remember there is always a full steady stream of amazing, awe-inspiring, transformational, faith-full Good News every-single-day. Because every day there’s more Good News than one heart could ever handle.

Here begins the Good News of Jesus …

God is still in control of the whole world. He did not walk away, take a break and come back to find the beheadings, bombs and bad news spilling out all over the world.

God is still in control of the whole world. So with every article I read and every news story I watch, I must see all of it in light of the Good News of Jesus. I affix the cross of Christ over all of it. The Gospel says:

Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:10)

… the men in orange obtained the kingdom.

If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. ” (John 15:20)

…God didn’t promise there wouldn’t be persecution.

I don’t understand the mind of God. I can’t begin to fathom how beheadings, bombs and bad news live inside his sovereignty. But I do know his heart. He is love. He is compassion. He collects tears.
His heart hurts over injustice.

And I know that the bad news is subjected to the Good News. So I choose to live my life according to the Good News. The Gospel also says:

I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)

…there is much trouble in the world today but I will take heart.

Will you take heart, too?

Because I hear God whispering: Take heart, dear one. Take heart. Pray for those who are persecuted. Mourn the loss of life. But focus on the Good News. And so, settle yourself in my peace. For I have overcome the world.

 

photo: kate stafford