Things Above

We are surrounded by conflict, frustration, and heated opinions. We are inundated with information, and we are often urged to pick a side. It makes sense that many would be overcome by fear of the future. It’s becoming increasingly less common to encounter people who are steady, confident, and unworried. The vast majority seem distraught about the state of the world. There is outrage, despair, and disagreement everywhere we turn.

It’s not wrong to be culturally aware. However, problems arise if we are consumed by the circumstances around us. We are not meant to find our sense of security in economic, political, environmental, or social trends. If our emotional or mental state is controlled by what is happening in the world, we will constantly feel unsteady and chaotic. The world can only provide temporary and volatile security. True security comes from remembering our position in God’s kingdom.

As heirs to God’s kingdom, we are called to set our minds on things above. It might take mental discipline, but our thoughts should be directed toward what is eternal. God’s wealth will never deplete, and his government will never fall. His creation will never decay, and the body of Christ will live forever. All who belong to him have secured an inheritance that cannot be taken away by world conflict, political strife, or economic downfall. His promises remain sure even when everything around us is uncertain.

Today, fix your eyes on eternal things. Deliberately focus on what is promised rather than the daunting questions you cannot answer. Surrender your worries to the Lord and trust that he is not overwhelmed by the state of the world. He is not worried about what is happening, and he is not wondering how it will turn out. Dwell on his promises and provision and let him take your burden of fear. In exchange, he will give you peace that surpasses what is going on around you and hope that cannot be taken away.

Are there areas of your life where you’ve embraced the world’s values rather than God’s?