October 16 Staying Truly Focused Isaiah 26:3
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.” (Isaiah 26:3)
Over the past three plus years, with its chaos and upheaval and demonstrations of hatred and evil, I have been challenged to stay focused on what is real and eternal. During political and radical ideological changes in our national resolve, I have found myself caught up in the insanity of a popular movement of secular and temporal thoughts and desires. How am I to react to anti-Christian, anti-American, anti-moral rhetoric that is absolutely opposed to my convictions, my thoughts, my upbringing, and my Christian values? How easy it is to lose focus on what is real and just and edifying to our Lord and Savior! Over the past several days, once again, the news outlets, driven by their political & social bias, are, once again, “Doubling Down” on the idea that the COVID-19 virus and its variants, are causing increased stress and a spike in mental health issues and that we should vaccinate in order to avoid the “plague!” Adding to the stresses of life, we are at the beginning of another political season, when politicians are promoting the worst of their opponents and distortions of what they actually believe, and how they will serve! “Temperatures are rising, Sea levels are rising, Climate Change is upon us, and we are doomed unless we make radical changes in our way of life!” This is the message of those individuals that would have us believe that sudden destruction is imminent!! (We are being told that, due to “Climate Change,” there is an increased level of anxiety, trauma, PTSD, associated with this phenomenon! WOW! -WRAL-TV 11/04/2022) Then, we hear that mental illness is on the rise and that we are living in a fragile society and the government must act, in order, to save humanity! Just a couple of days ago, a former political candidate proclaimed that the Government should “De-program” certain citizens that have a different political opinion than she expresses! Really? Extreme changes to our way of life and isolation and distancing and all the negative (both real and created) that has been reported and experienced, no wonder that folks are experiencing various levels of depression and disfunction! Friends, I thank God for His Power and Presence in my life and the Provision for Peace! God has promised that, when we are focused on the Correct Things and when we are Committed to His Will, then we are going to experience “Perfect Peace,” regardless of the circumstances! For over two years, I have ended each daily devotional, with the admonition to “STAY STRONG, STAY FOCUSED!” Our survival requires True Focus on what is Real and Just and Edifying to our GOD! The words of a beautiful old hymn (My heart is fixed, O God on Thee), provides the encouragement that we need to, not only survive, but to THRIVE! “My heart is fixed O God on Thee, No more my feet shall go astray; I caught a glimpse of Calvary, and now I walk with Christ today. My heart is fixed O God on Thee, my eyes are now on things above, from worldly yokes, Praise God I’m free, I’m running o’er with Joy and Love. One time I wandered far away, I did not heed the Shepherd’s voice; My heart on God is fixed today, For He is my eternal choice. My heart is fixed, my face is set, upon the prize that lies before; all other claims I will reject, My Heart is fixed forevermore. No longer tossed upon the waves, of sin and doubt but now I sail; within the lifeboat, JESUS SAVES, No Storms against me shall prevail.” WHAT ARE YOU DWELLING ON? WHAT CONSUMES YOUR DAILY THOUGHTS? Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!