If I pay too much attention to what’s happening in this world, it could make me crazy. Can you relate?
While gas prices here in California reach toward $7 a gallon (!), I must remember this world is not my home. And my provision comes from the Lord.
When I read stories in the news that make me shudder and wonder what’s happening to people, I must remember that Scripture says “there is no one who does good” (Psalm 14:1)—we all need a Savior to redeem us.
When the values of leaders in this country pale to what they were a decade or two ago and integrity is so hard to find, I must remember that Jesus is the One who is on the throne. He always was and always will be, and my allegiance is to Him first. He is the One in whom our hope lies. He is the One we look toward for justice, righteousness, truth, and hope. He—not anyone in Washington D.C.—is our eternal hope.
In Psalm 121:1-2, the Psalmist prayed:
“I lift up my eyes to the mountains [not Capitol Hill]—where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.”
When I become angered by this country’s pursuit of laws that break God’s heart, I must remember: This is not a Christian nation—it never was. People (not countries) become believers through their individual faith in Christ. Yes, this nation was founded, and used to be governed, by people who had biblical values, but they were still depraved at heart, apart from a Savior. We all are. It is only by Christ’s grace and our faith that we can be set apart and become like Him in a lifestyle of love, faith, and grace. Today, it’s just a little easier to discern that we are living in a world in which “wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction.”
While laws are made that make us cringe, Jesus is and always will be on the throne. Jesus said, “wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it (Matthew 7:13-14). That tells me, Jesus-followers have always and will always be a minority, no matter where we live on this earth. But that also means our light can shine, like a city on a hill, letting others know where truth and hope can be found. Instead of feeling agitated at how increasingly different your values are from the world’s these days, rejoice that you have the truth and hope of Christ in you…and that you can offer that truth and hope to others.
In John 18:36, Jesus reminded His followers “My kingdom is not of this world.” Of course we would like this world to be as lovely as heaven while we’re still here, but it’s not going to happen. Only in the eternal presence of Jesus, where all sin is eradicated and all will be like Him, will we experience life the way it was intended to be. I look forward to that day. Until then, let’s praise Him every day for the glimpses of beauty He’s given us, the joy we can still find in His presence (Psalm 16:11), the salvation we have in Him, and opportunities to share with others who He is and the hope of what is to come for all who put their faith in Him.
After all, “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him” (1 Corinthians 2:9). Our home awaits us and it’s out of this world.
Your light and hope will impact others far more than any complaints you express. How will you live today like a joy-filled citizen of heaven and an ambassador of Christ Jesus? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comment section below.
(To keep you focused on your First Love and your eternal home, see my books, Letting God Meet Your Emotional Needs, When God Pursues a Woman’s Heart, and Women on the Edge, all on sale now in my website store.)
Thank you Cindi for this Christ centered article. I am a firm believer in focusing on what the Lord has blessed us with in His Word.
Recently it was suggested to me to check out a right wing news that was so focused on all the wrong things about politics that I realized if I focused on that, I would totally miss what the Lord had for me today.
Thank you again for pointing us to the One who reigns over all.
Blessings
Mary Collins
Thank you, Mary, for pointing out that even when we attempt to get the “conservative” slant on the news, we are still filling our minds with the negatives going on in the world right now. There is always joy in HIS presence (Psalm 16:11) and when we really understand this world is not our home, we’ll become more aware of the others we want to bring with us to our “new country” that awaits us in heaven. Blessings on your day as you shine His light to others.
Our country is desperately in need of a Savior who will bring back sanity and sanctity that will lift up the downtrodden, bringing peace and purpose to lives who are broken and burdened with worry and fear. I’m so glad Jesus is still on the throne and able to meet my needs (Phil. 4:19), giving me peace that passes understanding (Phil. 4:6-7). It’s wonderful to read your message of hope that can lift us above the cares of this world. We have such a glorious future to look forward to as we focus on Jesus and His life of love and compassion. Thank you for giving me hope to hang onto as this world becomes filled with confusion and crazy legislation.
Thank you, Kathleen, for your encouraging words and your reminder to us of the Scriptures we should stay focused on. I appreciate you taking time to respond and providing us with a healthy perspective, as well.
I really needed this! Thank you!
You’re welcome, Linda. I’m glad it encouraged you. 🙂
Dear Sister In Christ!! I have enjoyed your books and articles. So refreshing to know here is not our home but eternal heaven awaits to those who know Christ. God Bless You!!!
Thank you, Lois. I’m encouraged that you’re still reading my books and articles. 🙂 God bless you, too, as you keep your eyes fixed on Jesus and your heavenly citizenship.
Hi Cindy!
How would I live today like a joy-filled citizen of heaven and ambassador of Jesus Christ? First of all by not watching any news. It robs my peace and makes me anxious 😕. I would trust and keep my eyes on what is true in the maker of heaven and earth. The word of God states that everything will change except His word. It’s a promise I cling to. I also try to stay away from negative people even believers. Thank you, for always blessing my life 💐
Thank you so much for your response, Hayde. Yes, staying in God’s Word — our only real truth — keeps us grounded and in perspective. The news today, no matter which network it’s on, comes with a definite political agenda. And like you said, everything changes but our God and His Word. Thank you for blessing my morning with your comment.
Thank you Cindi. I sure needed to read this! It’s getting more and more difficult to not grumble & complain. After reading your beautiful words, I will remember, “my light and hope will impact others far more than complaints.” Amen!
Thank you, Sweet Linda. I’m glad it encouraged you and reminded you to keep shining your light. Your smile, joy, and hope are contagious to others. Shine on!
Excellent advice and a wonderful reminder about Who is actually in charge of life here on planet Earth. Having recently gone through COVID, other health issues, political unrest, deep disappointment on current end times prophetic claims, and YES gas and food prices going through the roof… I needed to read this post. It draws me back to my Christian roots, back into my faith in Him. There’s freedom and comfort in that. Hope rises!
Thank you Cindi. Peace and Love to you!
Thank you, Mark, for your kind and encouraging words. We all need reminders at times, myself included. Hope you and Linda are doing well. 🙂
Jesus is the way the truth and the life. Praise Jesus. He always bring good out all things for those who love him. We need fear nothing, for greater is Jesus in us than he the devil that is in the world. We must be people of prayer and fasting. We must have faith that God will send all his people through this turmoil in this world and in our country. Place all our trust in him and not in man, pray for our country and the world that through all this turmoil many may come to the Lord Jesus as their personal Lord and Savior.
Thank you Cindi,
An article in Crosswalk, brought me to your website and blog and I needed to read this today. Thank you.
Thank you, Dawne, for taking the time to leave a nice comment. I’m glad you were encouraged. Blessings to you. 🙂