As a human, I am heavily interested in the latest headlines. Usually a few times a week I am checking the news to see what is happening.

I am not one to try and push the doomsday feel, but the news lately has not been the greatest. It makes me want to bury my head in the sand and shield my family from it all. From shootings, politics, obituaries, and the story of a local woman who won the lottery, it’s enough to bring sadness, anger, and jealousy.

John 1:4-5 says, “In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”

As Christians, I believe we must find ways to navigate today’s culture like Christ. We have the Light of the world on our side! Here are a few tips to bring light to dark situations.

#1 Use the Bible.

“World events are moving very rapidly now. I pick up the Bible in one hand, and I pick up the newspaper in the other. And I read almost the same words in the newspaper as I read in the Bible. It’s being fulfilled every day round about us.” ― Billy Graham

Billy Graham would study the word of God and read the news going on around him. We can navigate and understand the world around us by using God’s word. When we have a strong and firm foundation in the Bible, we have peace in being a child of God.

Jeremiah 29:11 is an encouragement for this day: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord. “Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

When I look at some of the hurt and pain in the world, it is easy to lose hope. God does not want us to live in fear. With verses like Jeremiah 29:11, I have peace.

#2 Pray.

“I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.” ― 1 Timothy 2:1-2

Sometimes when I read a story about current events, I take a moment to pray for that situation - a prayer of thanks or for God’s guidance. Recently, I noticed a plan for the homeless in our city this winter.  As of now, the plans are not moving forward, so I prayed and asked God to guide the leaders of the organization.

The news we hear today can be disheartening at times, but did you know we are “urged” to pray for our leaders? No matter where you stand politically, you can always pray for our city, state, and national leaders.

I Timothy 2:1-2 says, “I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness”.

At one point I would have been swept away by headlines and fallen down a rabbit trail of fear, anger, pride, or jealousy. The more I focus on God though, this world we live in and the events that happen around us, fall into a smaller place. The sacrifice of Jesus is the best News I have ever received!

Make sure to come to the new series, Caught in the Current that started this past weekend!

 Colin is the Assistant Director of Student Ministries & Weekend Celebrations. Half of his job is serving with the weekend celebrations and making sure they run as smooth as they can. The second half is in Student Ministries where he gets to share God’s love with kids. Colin is happily married to his beautiful wife, Erin and together they have a Whidbey (their child).

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