My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O Lord; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up. Psalm 5:3
If you’re a Christian in America and you’re anything like me, you may have found yourself a bit disheartened or maybe even discouraged in recent weeks by all that’s going on right now around us. We may have experienced some of the same emotions – anger, frustration, doubt. Our world seems to be getting worse and worse by the day as those whose mob mentality of forcing ‘change’ have wreaked havoc upon our nation and its foundational values. Free speech is under attack, law and order seems to be fading, and common sense… what’s that again?
While I’m all for Christians taking a stand for truth and right, I would remind us to take heart in where our hope is truly found. Our hope is not found in a set of new policies or any political party, but in a person. More than our nation’s problems are social, political, or racial… our nation’s problems are sinful. We have a huge sin problem. And there is only one answer to such a problem – Jesus.
So, Christian, look up! As strangers and pilgrims in this world, we have more to rejoice in than we do to despair over. Regardless of anything happening around us, here are 5 reasons I’m encouraging you to do what I’ve done – leave your own pity party, lift your head, and look up!:
The word of God is still true
In recent weeks, I’ve personally had to increase my time in the Word of God, simply because the more I listen to the news of the day, the more I can easily feel defeated. Because while the world may change, the Word never does! If you’ve found yourself spending more time getting to know your politics than your Jesus, it’s time to shift gears. The word of God is still as true today as it was a few weeks or months ago! Read it. Love it. Live it.
For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword. Hebrews 4:12
O how love I thy law! It is my meditation all the day. Psalm 119:97
Jesus is still the answer
Let me say it again – The answer to the world’s problems is not found in a president, in a political party, or in a policy. The answer is found in a PERSON. Sin will always be a part of our world, and it will take on many forms, both personally and collectively, but the only thing that will change man’s sinfulness is a regeneration of the heart. … Charles Spurgeon said it well – “Sin and hell are married unless repentance proclaims the divorce.” Good news – Jesus still lives! Jesus still saves! Jesus is still the answer! Let’s be busy about sharing Him with the world. They need Him now more than ever.
And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me. John 12:32
He that hath the Son hath life, and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. John 5:12
God is on our side
Romans 8:31 still says that “If God be for us, who can be against us.” God will not abandon us. He will never forsake us. He will always come through and be faithful, just like He has for all the saints of old. Despite anything that happens in our world God is still sovereign and God’s plan ultimately prevails. No matter what may happen around us, nothing can change what is in us. Christian, look up because God is on your side!
For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that ovecometh the world, even our faith. I John 5:4
In the end, we win
I can remember as a child there was a huge feeling of confidence and security in knowing when you were on a winning team. Christian, may I remind you that in the end, God wins! This world is not my home, I’m just a passin’ through. While I’m all for patriotism, more than my loyalty is to be found in preserving an American version of Christianity, my loyalty is to be found in being a faithful ambassador for Christ and His gospel. We are ultimately citizens of Heaven, and an understanding of that truth ought to shape our everyday life and testimony, despite any spiritual warfare that surrounds us (Eph. 6:12). Our nation will one day be no more, but eternity will be forever. Christian, keep your main focus on your most long-term investments – your family and your faith. Eternity is on our side. Jesus’ return is closer than ever before. Time is short. Keep your eyes on the prize!
That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, and… every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Philippians 2:10-11
Our children are getting a valuable test drive
In many areas of life, whether technology, relationships, finances, etc., I’d rather be able to guide my children while by their side than completely leave them to navigate it all by themselves later. All of what is happening in our world is a goldmine opportunity for us as parents to prepare our children to take a stand for truth and the gospel in the next generation. There are so many life lessons about the consequences of sin, the need for personal responsibility and respect for authority, the power of loving your neighbor, etc. that can be taught in times like these. Illustrations abound of the curse of racial and generational sins and entitlement mentality and blame-shifting that can be discussed. Are you having these important conversations?
Parents, if we are doom and gloom about all that is going on in our world, we have failed our children by setting them up for defeat. They need to see and believe that our future and theirs is still as bright as the promises of God! For the Christian, no matter what happens in this life, the best is always yet to come. May we allow our kids to test drive their faith during times like these, with us in the passenger seat guiding them along the way. Because our current reality is going to be their future battleground. And the darker the night becomes, the brighter the light will shine. Christian parent, look up! God has given you an opportunity to prepare your children to brightly shine for Christ.
Andy Stanley – “Your greatest accomplishment may not be something you do, but someone you raise.”
We will not hide them from their children, showing to the generation to come the praises of the Lord, and his strength, and his wonderful works that he hath done… That the generation to come might know them, even the children which should be born; who should arise and declare them to their children: That they might set their hope in God, and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments. Psalm 78:4-7
I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord. Psalm 27:13-14
Look up, and lift up your heads: for your redemption draweth nigh. Luke 21:28
Christian, Look Up!
