In today’s day and age there is no shortage of information. Newscasts, blogs, radio, movies, television, and opinion polls constantly infiltrating us with how we should feel and think about all kinds of issues. However, when believers need perspective, where do we turn? Whose voice penetrates our heart and mind?
We like to say that we turn to God and to the Scriptures. If we’re honest with ourselves though, we’re a lot like the children of Israel. Instead of getting information from the primary source, they sought out false prophets, mediums, and psychics. If they had listened to the prophet Jeremiah, they would have known God was saying just the opposite of what they were hearing.
Although there were many self proclaimed prophets, Jeremiah was one of the prophets sent by God to warn the people, but they chose not listen to him.
In Jeremiah chapter 27, God gives him instructions to tie a yoke around his neck as an example, and to send word to specific kings that God is allowing King Nebuchadnezzar to come destroy their land, and to take captive their people along with the articles in the temple, and that’s where the articles would remain until the Lord comes for them, (verse 22). He warns them if they do not go and serve the King of Babylon, they will die. God also gives the people a time frame by telling them they will serve the present king, his son, and his grandson. Previously the Lord was more specific and told them they would be in exile for 70 years.
In chapter 28 in that same year, the false prophet Hananiah while in the house of the Lord said to Jeremiah in the presence of the priests and all the people: “This is what the Lord Almighty, the God of Israel , says: `I will break the yoke of the king of Babylon. Within two years I will bring back to this place all the articles of the Lord’s House that Nebuchadnezzar removed from here and took.” Hananiah went on to contradict all the Lord had said through Jeremiah.
Just like the culture in Jeremiah’s day, so many voices can be confusing. God’s word says if it is up to us, we should live in peace with everyone. That does not mean to passively sit back and disregard God’s word and wisdom in order to please people. Sometimes it does mean to sit back and let God do his work to accomplish His perfect will and plan for our lives and society.
Hopefully today as believers we are not seeking out mediums or psychics for advice on life. However, there are a number of other sources that can influence our thoughts and decisions, and not all of them are godly. From social trends to cultural diversities, other people greatly affect how we see life. Satan is aware of just how much “airtime” is available to influence us throughout our day.
So what is it that you worry about? Headlines like war, viruses, financial collapse? If those threats don’t concern you, perhaps television has convinced you that your children might be on drugs or that your husband might be having an affair; we wonder why there are so many people suffering from anxiety. Maybe instead of turning to God for perspective, we’ve been turning elsewhere.
It’s normal to be concerned about our lives and our loved ones… but if we’re not careful, anxiety can quickly debilitate us. When you feel the cords of anxiety and worry tightening around you, think about the Lord’s promises, his sovereignty and his goodness. Why not start by reading less of the media headlines and more of God’s Word? Try turning off the television and tuning into praise music. I’m not saying to completely hide from the world, but try trusting and hearing from God instead of all other sources. The more you dwell on who God is and His faithfulness, the less likely you’ll be ridden with anxiety and taking on the world’s perspective. Instead of listening to everything the wind blows our way, let’s go to the one that is wisdom and who gives insight.
Thank you Father for your Holy Spirit who fills us with peace and teaches us the way to walk in.
