How do we keep from giving in to fear as our hearts ache for those who live in terror and anguish? Or when we do?
Right now news broadcasts make our hearts drop--and we live thousands of miles away. Sometimes it seems the whole world is in danger of falling apart.
Does anybody care? Does God care?
Anytime it seems this world is careening toward destruction a quick glance at this photo quiets my heart. I copied it from the Internet and framed it where I can see it any time.
It comes from the Hubble Telescope gallery of stunning photos. As with many of those photos, the colors have been enhanced, but the shape of an eye is unmistakable.
NASA itself labeled this nebula "The Eye of God."
I find that fact almost as amazing as the photo.
Of course it's not really a photo of God's eye
Still, this photo reminds me of what many of us already know: God is watching over me. And you. And our world, even the most remote region of it.
No matter how alarming or dismal the news, whether it's world news or happenings within our own lives or those of people we love, God never takes a break and gets preoccupied with something else.
The eyes of the Lord are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good. Proverbs 15:3 ESV
I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you. Psalm 32:8 ESV
For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are open to their prayer. ... 1 Peter 3:12 ESV
Remember what makes any of us "righteous" is that Jesus died for us and canceled out all our sin.
Breathe deep and be at peace
Yes, God's eye is on us, but he looks at us with eyes of love. Remember this verse?
Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings. Psalm 17:8 ESV
The best antidote to fears that nag at us is to go back to basics and spend some time reading the Bible, God's written word to us.
I've found it makes a big difference if I read with a "How does this apply to me?" attitude.
God's creation all around us speaks to us and quiets us, too. Sometimes I just need to look out the window with eyes that see.
When I do, when I take a moment to focus on the trees or distant hills or look up into the endless sky, I hear this verse in my mind:
Be still and know that I am God ... Psalm 46:10 NIV
David, writer of Psalms, never doubted God's loving, watchful eye
For many years he lived in danger and counted on God's protection. He wrote these beautiful words:
Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings. Psalm 17:8 NIV
He will not let your foot slip--he who watches over you will not slumber ... The LORD watches over you--the LORD is your shade at your right hand; The LORD will keep you from all harm--he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore. Psalm 121:3, 5a, 7-8 NIV
God speaks to us through the Word. Reading the Bible is a bit like resetting our internal compass to true north and we get back a right perspective on life.
It reminds us it's not our goodness that's a ticket to Heaven, but Jesus' death and resurrection alone. Knowing that turns our anxiety to peace.
We remember again how small we are in the scheme of things and who God is
So why do we let the TV newscasts and talking heads raise our blood pressure?
History is full of strife and struggles--and wars, whether "declared" or not. Elections come and elections go, always to the accompaniment of boos and cheers. Economies rise and fall, over and over. Medical problems inevitably come with being human. That's life.
Yet this little planet we live on keeps spinning. Every morning the sun rises in the east and sets in the west.
The One who was there before the beginning and will be there after the end remains in charge.
For you and me, if we trust in him it is safe to let go of fear. God's got it all covered, so we can live in peace and calm.
Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever! Psalm 118:1 ESV
He never takes his eye off us, so let us relax and rejoice!
Blessings,
Lenore
