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“All that money you’ve lost – where did it go?;” “Russia test fires long-range missile…warships call in Libya;” “Foreclosure Activity Increases 8 Percent in July;” “Thyroid cancer on the rise;” “Hurricane Slams Into Mexico;” “FDIC Seizes Two More Banks.” These are all actual headlines from around the country and around the world. And as if all this bad news wasn’t enough, how about the biggie – “World gripped by largest financial crisis in 100 years!”
For caregivers, this means double or triple what it means to the every day “man on the street.” We are not just dealing with these crises as individuals. We are dealing with our own set of problems, while juggling the problems one or more of our loved ones is facing. It can be frustrating, depressing, and even frightening.
As I was working on my Bible study today, and reflecting on these different thoughts, God reminded me that we need to look at these headlines and these problems with spiritual eyes. No matter what it may feel like, we are never alone. I found some some wonderful encouragement from the book of Psalms:
Clap your hands, all peoples;
Shout to God with the voice of joy.
For the LORD Most High is to be feared,
A great King over all the earth.
He subdues peoples under us
And nations under our feet…
Sing praises to God, sing praises;
Sing praises to our King, sing praises.
For God is the King of all the earth;
Sing praises with a skillful psalm.
God reigns over the nations,
God sits on His holy throne.
The princes of the people have assembled themselves as the people of the God of Abraham,
For the shields of the earth belong to God;
He is highly exalted. Psalm 47:1-3,6-9
When we are feeling afraid, nervous, or even angry at what is going on, we need to turn away from the problems and turn to the problem-solver, God. One way I like to do that is to print out verses like these, and carry them with me. Whenever I get a minute, I read a portion of it, and then just keep thinking about that, meditating on it, and praying through it. It’s like letting them soak into my “spiritual pores.” I would encourage you to let God’s Word minister to you today and every day. A good passage for that would be Psalm 57. I love to think of my problems as lions which breathe forth fire! I know that God is more powerful than them!
Be gracious to me, O God, be gracious to me,
For my soul takes refuge in You;
And in the shadow of Your wings I will take refuge
Until destruction passes by.
I will cry to God Most High,
To God who accomplishes all things for me.
He will send from heaven and save me;
He reproaches him who tramples upon me.God will send forth His lovingkindness and His truth.
My soul is among lions;
I must lie among those who breathe forth fire,
Even the sons of men, whose teeth are spears and arrows
And their tongue a sharp sword.
Be exalted above the heavens, O God;
Let Your glory be above all the earth.
They have prepared a net for my steps;
My soul is bowed down;
They dug a pit before me;
They themselves have fallen into the midst of it.My heart is steadfast, O God, my heart is steadfast;
I will sing, yes, I will sing praises!
Awake, my glory!
Awake, harp and lyre!
I will awaken the dawn.
I will give thanks to You, O Lord, among the peoples;
I will sing praises to You among the nations.
For Your lovingkindness is great to the heavens
And Your truth to the clouds.
Be exalted above the heavens, O God;
Let Your glory be above all the earth.
So next time you hear a news headline that threatens your peace of mind, grab your Bible or that printout of verses and start meditating away. Allow God’s Words and His love to make your heart steadfast once more.
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