In these unprecedented times, we are experiencing our hearts and minds can wander into deep and troubled waters. Anxiety rises and depression and fear seize us. Some are listening to the news constantly and with each newscast, their fears and anxiety rise. They are wondering what is next? What else will close, will I lose my job, how will I feed my family, what if, what if, what if? Even sleep eludes. Even some Christians are listening more to the news than they are the Holy Spirit. This is where we need to take our thoughts captive. (2 Corinthians 10:5 “We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” It is possible to halt our thought process to choose to think about something else. We need to fill our minds and hearts with God’s word and remember who He is in these troubling times. When we ask him to help us to turn from troubling thoughts he will. And yes, maybe you will have to ask a hundred times a day until your mind settles, but God is faithful and hears your sincere cries for help.

When we do reign in our thoughts, what should we think about? How about these things: (Philippians 4:8 “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think such things.”) Wow, here is our answer. After we take our wild thoughts captive these are the things we need to set before our minds. These are the things we need to focus on. If you go to the word of God and start reading, you will find the truth, things that are noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent and praiseworthy. God’s word is not just a collection of stories for late-night reading, God’s word is life, It has the power to save souls, change hearts and calm minds. (Hebrews 4:12 “For God’s word is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even tom the division of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”)

I understand why non-Christians listen to the news, it is their truth. But for believers, we need to look to scripture not just in good times, but particularly in hard times. God’s word is a lamp unto our feet and light to our paths. God’s word speaks the truth. It tells us what to watch for as the day of the Lord approaches. It gives us insight and wisdom, it reminds us of God’s promises and faithfulness to his own. God tells us that he will never leave us or forsake us, (Deuteronomy 31:6, Deuteronomy 31:8, Hebrews 13:5-6, Joshua 1:9, Isaiah 41:10) These are just some of the verses that remind us that God is with us, we can trust him with our souls and our lives. He is using this time to strengthen your faith, to draw you into a closer fellowship with him. We need to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus. We all know that the news outlets report the news in a way that will get them the most listeners. I feel the truth is not their main goal. The enemy of your soul will use the news and whatever means available to him to spread lies, to stretch the truth. Yes, we need to obey the leadership, take precautions and do all the right things, but in it all, we need to search scripture and see what sayeth the Lord!

If we ask he will answer. When we choose to take our thoughts captive and to listen to His word, His promises more than what man says, I believe the “Peace of God” will invade your heart and your mind. We may not know when this will end or how it will end. We do not know will it get worse before it is better, we do not know all the “what if” answers, but our Sovereign Lord does. I say again, “lean in” He can not only hold you up, but he can also lift your spirits until you are soaring on wings of peace even in the midst of the storm. Let Jesus be your guide. Let his word light your path, let the joy of the Lord resound in your soul and look up, your redemption draweth nigh!

Do you want a troubled mind or God’s peace? I know what I choose!