Today’s world is confusing, chaotic, and violent. How do you deal with all the bad news you see and hear? Let’s find out.

Don’t hide your head in the sand

It’s important to acknowledge the reality of our world. It’s not easy, especially when we hear about natural disasters or war. Even more troubling is the violence we witness in our own streets. But when we know what’s happening in the world, it helps us understand how to confront it.

Limit your exposure

As citizens, we have a responsibility to keep up with current events, but limit the time you spend there. Every media outlet wants you to stay tuned in for as long as possible. Sitting glued to the TV only heightens your anxiety. Yes, bad things exist, but once you’re informed sufficiently, move on.

Stand up and fight

The easy way out is to turn off your TV and ignore it all. But this is exactly what the enemy wants from us. He desires to use our fears to divide, isolate, or anesthetize us. The Kingdom of God has weapons too, and they are of a heavenly caliber. This is as much – or perhaps more – a spiritual battle as it is a battle between humans.

It’s worth stressing the importance of God’s Word. Reading your Bible every day will give you strength, clarity, and confidence. In Ephesians 6, Paul speaks about the armor of God which consists of:

• Truth
• Righteousness
• The Gospel of Peace
• The Shield of Faith
• The Helmet of Salvation
• The Sword of the Spirit (God’s Word)
• Prayer

In Galatians 5 we find the fruit of the Spirit. These fruits are:

• Love
• Joy
• Peace
• Longsuffering
• Kindness
• Goodness
• Faithfulness
• Gentleness
• Self-control

The more we use these spiritual gifts, the more of the Spirit we bring to humanity. You might think, “How do my actions at home affect what’s happening on the other side of the country or the world?” The answer? It makes a huge difference.

Spiritual Combat

The terrible things in this world are meant to destroy those directly affected. They aim to destroy us as well. The enemy wants us to be weak in our faith. The devil wants us to tremble in fear. Instead, through God’s Spirit we can become a great force for good.

A tremendous battle is taking place, and we must respond appropriately. You are not powerless, but rather God’s power can work through you.

Your purpose and life testimony make an impact on all those around you. If we don’t resist the culture of fear and death, the darkness grows. However, if you bring the light of the Spirit, you build God’s Kingdom.

When you get overwhelmed, focus on core missions

When things seem to be too much for you to handle, remember, you have a purpose. God put you on this earth for a reason. Psychiatrist Viktor Frankl survived the World War II concentration camps. He concluded that the secret to survival was to focus on a core mission in life.

Maybe your mission is to be a good, reliable mom, dad, or spouse. When bad news overwhelms you, focus on that. Or maybe you have a job to do and others depend on you. That’s important, no matter what the job. Finally, you might think you have no purpose, but your mission may actually be the most important of all.

A most important purpose

Maybe you feel you have no purpose. Maybe you’re all alone. Perhaps you are stuck in a dead end. But if you get on your knees and pray for others, the heavens will open and rejoice. The prayers of those that suffer are very powerful. These prayers cry out to God in a way that a comfortable life cannot reach. The forgotten ones that find strength in prayer have a truly special life mission. Nobody notices this – except God.

Remember, we’re in this together

Exercise your rights and assume your responsibilities as a citizen, but also think for yourself. If you are called to speak out or act, do so with wisdom and prudence. Be careful, as the easiest way to misguide someone is through fear.

It’s never been about individualism. Don’t go into this fight alone. Pray together for things like peace and justice. Pray for healing and transformation in zones of violence, illness, and disaster. Be active in your church for the Body of Christ is made up of many members, all of which are important, even the most humble.

Hope keeps it all alive

We live in troublesome times. If we don’t turn to our faith in moments like these, when will we? Return to the bedrock of your faith. Faith in a God that loves you so much that he sent his only Son to die for you. Faith in his resurrection and ascension into heaven. And finally, the great hope that Jesus will come again.

Don’t keep your eyes glued to the TV. Instead keep them looking upwards for when Christ returns.

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