Some Hope for the Weary
Looking to Jesus, the founder, and perfector of our faith
The title and song of the 1978 Keith Green song, “How Can They Live Without Jesus,” has been coming to my mind a lot lately. Truly, how can any of us live without Christ in today's day and age?
On any given day, there is a new headline, providing insider details of the latest tragedy.
I don’t think it was God’s original intent for us to know so much at once. To scroll through a feed and know the daily, moment by moment struggles of the human race. To see so much suffering and dissension, unrest, and discord. What can we do in this day and age, to cling to what is pure, lovely, and just?
The Way Forward
Fix your eyes on Jesus. The author and perfector of our faith. Hebrews has this encouragement for us:
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Heb 12:1–2, ESV).
Lay aside every weight. Put off sin, and run forward with endurance. It’s easy to be consumed by negativity when we allow ourselves to engage with things that are only negative.
Remember, whatever is pure, lovely, and just, and run towards the goal. What’s the goal? The most precious communion with Jesus when we see Him face to face.
There is nothing wrong with engaging with different kinds of media, to become knowledgable of what is happening in the world, in your country and city, but let’s seek to strike a balance between the healthy act of educating ourselves, and just pure toxicity.
Feed Your Spirit
Once we have moderated our media intake, we should have some freed up time in our day. I suggest the best alternative — nay — always the best choice, is reading scripture.
You know, we’ve all said it, “I don’t have time.”
To be frank — we do have time, and we can all find (at least) small moments in our day to prioritize reading a chapter or praying intentionally. I’ve often been surprised how much free time I have when I choose my Bible in the morning over my cellphone.
Feed your soul by reminding it of God’s goodness, and ultimate control in a world that is often so out of control.
Trust Him
My all-time favorite verse is in Proverbs:
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
and do not lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make straight your paths.” (Prov 3:5–6, ESV)
Stop watching the news. Find strength in Christ and root yourself in what is eternal. He is good, and He can’t wait to hear from you.
