From the natural disasters that have devastated thousands of lives around the globe to the bleak financial reports we’re hearing in our own country, it’s apparent we’re living in some serious times. We are an informed bunch with news alerts sent to us by email, text messaging, and the old standby—the TV screen. News seems to travel at the speed of light. But how much of this information is just too much?
If you want to stay free from fear you’ve got to watch how much of that kind of news you’re putting into yourself. If you want to walk in faith, take inventory of what you’re watching, listening to, and allowing in your spirit.
Some folks are addicted to bad news. They thrive on watching and listening to all the bad news they can. They can recite all the murders that happened this week—where they happened, how they happened, and whom they think committed them. The murder TV series have become particularly popular in the last few years. People watch them and say, “It’s so interesting. They’re going to find out who did it.” In the meantime the spirit of fear is coming on them as they’re thinking about the whole process of murder. You can’t watch shows like that without being affected.
Work to limit how much bad news you allow yourself to hear. Turn off the television or radio if necessary. Feed your mind with worship music and good teaching materials that can increase your faith and your children’s faith. Your words have control over your thoughts, so take the Word of God and literally shove the negative thoughts out of your mind. Feed Your Children Words of Faith
Psychologists cautioned parents after 9/11 to guard their children from seeing the video footage repeatedly of the collapse of the Towers. It put negative images in people’s minds, especially the minds of innocent children who can hardly grasp that there are evil people in the world who would harm other human beings. It can make them feel vulnerable to satan’s attacks.
Children are like sponges, soaking up whatever is around them. If you want faith in them instead of fear, you’ve got to be the one to put it in their minds and hearts. Choose carefully the television shows, documentaries, video games, Internet, music on their iPod, and movies that your children see and hear, and use wisdom about how often they should be allowed to watch or listen to them.
Many people want to warn their children about avoiding dangerous situations, so they tell them scary, spooky stories to illustrate their point. Then the children have nightmares because of what they were told. There is a way to warn and guide children without putting a spirit of fear inside of them. Putting faith and obedience in their hearts through the Word of God is much more productive. In Isaiah 54, verse 13, the Lord says, “All of your children shall be taught by the Lord, and great shall be the peace of your children.” This is a promise you need to stand on and speak over your children: “My children are taught by the Lord, and great is the peace of my children.”
Instead of the negative, fear-filled television shows that many are watching, Philippians 4:8 gives us some direction about what we are to feed our minds:
Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.
You might have to search a while at the video rental places or the theater to find movies or shows that have these attributes, but they are out there. If your children hear of terror situations and share their concern with you, open up the Word of God and help shed some light on the subject. Both you and your children will be encouraged in faith to stop the spirit of fear.
A Balanced Look at Prophetic Events There is a big difference between being informed and being terrified. Many well-meaning ministers paint a grim picture of end-time prophetic events. It causes torment in people because they are not aware of God’s purpose in foretelling the events. In getting a large dose of only the negative aspects and feeding thoughts of doom and gloom, Luke 21:26 warns that men’s hearts would fail them from fear because of what they see happening on the earth.
I don’t deny that we live in perilous times or the fact that Scriptures concerning this period of time are coming to pass on what seems like a daily basis. The Word of God is very clear concerning the end of time as we know it. However, as Jesus was foretelling these prophetic events, He encouraged his disciples:
“Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. “Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near” (Luke 21:27-28).
Jesus is returning some day, and I believe that day is soon. So I choose to meditate on what I’m supposed to be doing until He returns. I stay informed about current events, especially as they relate to biblical prophecy, but I don’t let those events determine my peace and joy in this world. My peace and joy are wrapped up in Jesus, and He will see me through whatever He calls me to do and wherever He calls me to go.
Keeping our minds on Him and His will for our lives will cause peace to reign and guard our hearts and thoughts. Isaiah 26:3 says, “You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You.” Jesus said concerning the end-time events, “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).
Jesus has overcome all the power of this world. You can have peace and joy in the midst of crisis around you as you turn to the Prince of Peace. He sets you free for a purpose, so go on and fulfill His awesome plan for your life.
(adapted from Billy Joe Daugherty’s newest book, No Fear—Praying the Promises of Protection. Destiny Image, Publisher. Copyright 2008.)