Dazed & Confused

Many are struggling to make sense of the world right now. Thankfully, the Bible contains simple principles to help us live above the fray.

Beginning now, I encourage you to guard what comes into your eyes and ears. Turn off the 24-hour news cycles. Step away from any voices that are bitter, critical, judgmental, angry, jealous, busybodies, gossipers, liars, and manipulators.

Our sight and hearing are portals and access points to our soul. The things we look at and listen to have the power to impact your health - physically, emotionally, relationally, and spiritually. The old adage is true - we become what we feed on. And whatever we are watching and listening to becomes food for our soul. What we welcome, what we allow, and what we tolerate, eventually takes root in our hearts and minds - poisoning our soul.

For this reason, Scripture instructs us to take every thought captive to the obedience of God's Word (2 Corinthians 10:5). God's people must guard against being naive and gullible (Matthew 10:16). Don't believe everything you see and hear. There is no way to ascertain the truth of a matter unless you have had first hand experience with the person or the situation. Everyone may have an opinion, but opinions are rarely the same as facts.

The atmosphere around us is buzzing with distortions, half-truths, and calculated psyops. The human soul was not designed to absorb (nor is it capable of fully grasping) the depths of perversion, evil, and deception that abounds in the world.

It is possible to still stay abreast of important happenings and remain a "big-picture" person without consuming every piece of information that is presented to you. Restraint is key in this hour. Anyone can be provoked to believe anything if the information is repeated, viewed, or consumed often enough.

It is for these reasons, and this moment in history, that I have spent years encouraging and teaching God's people to grow in intimacy with Jesus, to learn the Scriptures for themselves, and to be able to discern truth according to God's Word.

If you aren't currently able to do any of these things for yourself, find someone who can. Ask them to teach you. It's not too late to start. 2026 has barely begun and the coming days will continue to be chaotic.

Despite the challenging times, there is good news. God is still on His throne and He still loves you and me. So don't grow weary in well doing - because none of these current events have taken our Lord by surprise (Galatians 6:9). In fact, most of what we are witnessing on the earth has been foretold in the Bible. So read your Bible, say your prayers, and don't give up hope. God's promises are faithful and true - He always keeps His Word. Always.

This is a fascinating time to be alive on planet earth. Pay attention to unfolding events if you must, but please, do not allow yourself to be consumed by battles that God has already won (Matthew 6:33-34).

As the days unfold and the chaos intensifies, we would do well to heed the words the Apostle Paul shared with the Philippian church.....

"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 surpasses all human understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

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 about these things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me (or seen in me) - put these things into practice. And, as you do, the God of peace will be with you." (Philippians 4:6-9)

We can do this - together!