Tag Archives: News

Pastoral thoughts

Information Overload

This time of social separation has put me on information overload. Whether it’s “Who’s at fault?” or “Here’s how it spread” or “Here’s what helps prevent it”, or “Will it will come back in the Fall” or “Do masks help?” every COVID19 related issue is covered by hordes of media. That means there is a wide variety of facts – often contradictory. There is a wide variety of opinions – often contradictory. There is a wide variety of solutions – often contradictory. There is a wide variety of political opinions – always contradictory.

Certainly getting information is better than not getting it. But if we’re not careful our minds, like computers, will stop working due to ‘no disk space” – information overload. I have found I can only handle so much ‘news’ each day and then I need to turn away. Or else I become agitated and start acting like those arguing to be heard in the media. (Which is really sort of funny as I can only argue with a television set! Of course the good thing is it can’t argue back. I win every argument!)

It finally dawned on me that my mind has a limit and when it’s on information overload there is no room for God’s voice to be heard. I need to work hard at guarding my mind. The Bible, in fact, states this clearly. “Be careful how you think; your life is shaped by your thoughts” (Proverbs 4:23 GNT). The issue then is how to shape our thoughts. The Apostle Paul spelled it out clearly. “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:4-7)

Without launching into a sermon (always a preacher’s temptation), I lift up what I think are the 4 keys to overcoming information overload.

1. Rejoice in the Lord. Spend time in praise and worship.
2. Let the resulting gentleness be evident in all your dealings and activities.
3. Do not be anxious. Stay calm.
4. Pray regularly. Give thanks to God and bring your petitions and requests to Him.

The result? God will take charge of guarding our minds and hearts. What a difference it would make if all God’s people followed this formula! The times in which we live are a tremendous opportunity for the body of Christ to show the world the beauty and importance of God’s wisdom and peace. Let’s take advantage of the opportunity. Perhaps using the following prayer is a good starting point.

“Give us discernment in the face of troubling news reports.
Give us discernment
to know when to pray,
when to speak out,
when to act,
and when to simply
shut off our screens
and our devices,
and to sit quietly in your presence,

casting the burdens of this world
upon the strong shoulders
of the one who
alone
is able to bear them up. (1)

 

(1) From EVERY moment HOLY, VOLUME 1, Rabbit Room Press, © 2017 Douglas McKelvey, p. 159

News Commentary, Pastoral thoughts

Where in the World?

There’s little doubt that our world is in chaos. So much hatred, division, enmity, and spite. So many disasters, illnesses, and senseless tragedies. So much seems out of control. The result is panic, depression, discouragement, and despair. A few nights ago my wife and I even turned off the evening newscast – just one tragic story after another.

It’s hard to live with a positive attitude and to have hope for the future. It’s understandable that some are asking “Where in the world is God?” Or even “If there is a God where is He?” I am certainly not about to write a thesis on the subject – at least not here. But I do have two brief reflections.

First, I believe that God is letting us have our way – and the consequences of that way. In Romans 1 the Apostle Paul painted a graphic picture. He posits the reason for the condition of the world: “The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of people, who suppress the truth by their wickedness…” Then he lists the consequences of this rebellion and wickedness and three times states “Therefore God gave them over (gave them up)” to their desires. According to Paul, God has removed His hand of protection

and is letting the chips fall where they will – letting consequences kick in. The world is in the shape it’s in because God has said, “Have it your way.” We are getting what we deserve.

But if that’s the only answer to what’s happening it’s still pretty gloom and doom. So my second belief is important to balance things out. God is still in control. He is the Lord of history. He has put Jesus in charge. After His resurrection and just before He ascended to the Father’s right hand, Jesus said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.” (Matthew 28:18) Paul came to understand this as well. “…he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come.” (Ephesians 1:20-21) “Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name,that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (Philippians 2:9-11)

Years ago Jesuit Father Luis Espinal said it better than I can. “There are Christians who have hysterical reactions, as if the world would have slipped out of God’s hands… But we believe in history; the world is not a roll of the dice going toward chaos. A new world has begun to happen since Christ has risen… Jesus…Your sorrow has now passed. Your enemies have now failed. You are a definitive smile for humankind…We march behind you, on the road to the future. You are with us and you are our immortality!” Take away the sadness from our faces. We are not in a game of chance…You have the last word! Beyond the crushing of our bones, now has begun the eternal “alleluia!” From the thousand openings of our wounded bodies and souls there arises now a triumphal song!” So teach us to give voice to your new life throughout all the world. Because you dry the tears from the eyes of the oppressed forever…and death will      disappear…” (1)

Amen and amen. We do not live in fear but in faith because we live in the presence of Christ and all of God is available through Him. As a friend of mine once said, “I believe in God and He is the same God who stood by Moses and said, “What’s the problem? There’s sea in front of you? Watch this!”” That’s the God who is present in Jesus. May Jesus be my definitive foundation and motivation as I march behind Him into the future He has planned. I pray you will join me.

(1) As Quoted in “A Guide to Prayer”, Rueben P. Job/Norman Shawchuck, © 1983 Upper Room