April 27 – Up, down, or inward?

“You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!” - Isaiah 26:3

We could well be forgiven for feeling in despair as we listen day after day to the world and local newscasts. All channels spill out the bad news of the previous 24 hours, and portent of expected issues in the days to come. There seems to be an explosion of intolerance and violence taking place throughout the world, and family relationships have broken down. We have sexual predators loose in unknown locations all over the country, targeting our children and destroying their young lives. Politically there's corruption and posturing. Even nature is showing it's distress as storms, hurricanes, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions create havoc around the world.

Is there any good in all of that bad news?

The good news is that the clock is ticking down to the second coming of Christ. There may be some difficult times to get through. Jesus said about those times close to the end; "men's hearts failing them from fear and the expectation of those things which are coming on the earth, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken." (Luke 21:26)

But here is the hope in the verse that follows: "Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near." (Verse 27 & 28)

Each piece of bad news is a sign for us that the really good news is close at hand. Don't be afraid. As the world news gets worse and worse, let us encourage each other.

There is a lot going on in our world at this time. There are wars, and bombings; the killing of innocent men, women and children around the world. There is financial ruin and devastation on a daily basis. It is easy to take our eyes off of God as we watch all the turmoil taking place round us. These things may shape our world but they do not have to shape our lives. What shapes our world as believers is that God is alive and working in our heart as we focus our eyes on Him. This is what shapes our present and our future.

O soul, are you weary and troubled?

No light in the darkness you see?

There’s light for a look at the Savior,

And life more abundant and free!

Turn your eyes upon Jesus,

Look full in His wonderful face,

And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,

In the light of His glory and grace.

In which direction are your eyes focused. Are you looking up, down, or inward?

“Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus” (LIVE) is today's music. Click on the picture to listen.