With all the bad news swirling around us, it is easy to feel powerless and frustrated, and I encourage you when you feel most discouraged to take a break from the news and social media, as I have done in the past. Even now, Im on what I call a modified diet of information, taking in just enough to stay informed, but not immersing myself in the sea of negative reporting, toxic and angry posts and strident opinion pieces. Thats why you havent seen me here as much lately. That said, Im not avoiding the state of the world as it is, but Im creating a quiet space in my mind and heart to ponder it and reflect on it from a biblical perspective. I dont believe in immediate or knee-jerk reactions to bad news, because such reactions are always emotional and rarely wise. That is why I always tell people that if they want breaking news, there are plenty of places other than this page for them to find it. Proverbs 29:11 states, Fools give full vent to their rage, but the wise bring calm in the end. Speaking only for myself, I dont want to be a fool, although Ill be the first to tell you that Ive failed often in avoiding that label! As time has passed, Ive observed the wisdom of being quiet and thinking before speaking, and Im trying to discipline myself daily to get wisdom, as King Solomon exhorts us to do in the fourth chapter of the book of Proverbs. James writes Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God (James 1:19-20). I understand how easy it is to get angry, and no one is immune to it, I love how the New International Version puts it, however: Dont sin by letting anger control you. Think about it overnight and remain silent (Psalm 4:4). Create a quiet place to reflect on your anger and turn it into something that honors God. It is during one of those times of reflection that I wrote this piece, and it is not only consistent with my decision to focus the rest of the year on civil society and what we can do voluntarily and locally to make the world a better place, it is a true reflection of where God wants us to be in troubled times, when bad news clashes like clanging cymbals with the seemingly manufactured cheer of the holiday season. Please share this with your friends, acquaintances, and even those who anger you if you are able. 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).
Posted on: Thu, 04 Dec 2014 13:52:22 +0000
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