Between the notions that we are on the brink of World War 3 and Armageddon is almost here, not to mention the fact that tensions are already high, emotional fatigue is real, and the knowledge we are consuming us daily is not good for our overall health, it’s no wonder we all feel this way! It’s been a lot, and it’s totally okay to acknowledge that.
The accumulation of everything currently flooding our view, falling into our earshot, filling our screens, and even casually streaming into our conversations carries a weight all its own. It’s a burden we all feel and are eerily experiencing. This “noise” comes with an ache that stirs that sick feeling in the pit of your stomach, churning up anxiety, maybe even fear. Worst of all, it’s not silent, polite, or shy; it’s loud, demanding, aggressively begging for your attention, and if left unchecked, can cause a detrimental downward spiral.
So, yes, let’s talk about it! Because, as believers, we need to understand the nature of the insurmountable amount of information we receive daily and realize this is a call to action. Are you ready to tune it all out and tune in to what really matters? Then take a deep breath, tell yourself it’s all going to be okay, and reach for that Bible on your nightstand. From one sister to another, it’s time to stand firm, remember who you are, and who you follow!
Understand the Deception of the Enemy
Faithful believer, I know the news has been heavy lately, but I want you to tuck this truth in your heart before we dig in any further - God is not being silent on these issues. He is not ignoring the dreadful minute-by-minute updates or shying away from the imminent evils of this world. God is well aware of what is going on. However, these recent spikes of evil are part of a grander plan, and the enemy is merely pouncing on everything and trying ever so hard to proclaim victory. This is written for us in the books of Daniel, Ezikel, Revelation, among many others. Satan wants your mind confused, your heart shattered, and your emotions tormented. He wants you and me (God’s chosen people) to lose faith, feel utterly helpless, and fail to see what God declares in His Word. This is all part of “his” game. It always has been, from the very beginning (Genesis 3).
Please. Please do not fall for the enemy’s tricks! Yes, these times are indeed wild, frenzied, and even alarming. But it is written that all these events will come to pass. The enemy wants you to doomscroll and stay glued to the news. He wants you to cower in fear and stay focused on tragedies, conspiracies, plot twists, and perpetual disasters. He wants to pull you away from the truth!
After all, that is who he is. He is always on the prowl, waiting for someone to devour (1 Peter 5:8). Creeping from behind the scenes awaiting the moment to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10). He raises false prophets to deceive and manipulate (1 John 4:1). He is the father of lies (John 8:44), a false light (2 Corinthians 11:14), prideful (Isaiah 14:12-15), and the master of confusion (1 Corinthians 4:33). He is the ruler of this broken and fallen world (John 12:31). If we want to fight back, we must understand who we are dealing with!
Know the Nature of God
Oh, but don’t lose heart because we are on the winning side. As Christ-followers, we know the author and creator of this life. The One who is consistent and constant, being the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow (Hebrews 13:8). His mercies are new each day (Lamentations 3:22-23), His love endures forever (Jeremiah 31:3), and He works all things out for good (Romans 8:28). He is sovereign, just, holy, and righteous (1 John 4:8) The sustainer of this life with an active and vibrant presence (Colossians 1:17). His eternal kingdom will have no end (Luke 1:33). The richness and glory that awaits His beloved children is beyond our wildest imagine (1 Corinthians 2:9).
God’s truth, righteousness, and mercy in these truly disheartening times are exactly what we must cling to, as they are the key to hope! Yet we must also recognize we will fail and falter due to our sinful nature and the reckless patterns of this world. This means it is imperative to take action steps to tune into the Father purposefully.
Sweet sister, now is the time to earnestly seek wisdom and discernment on how to withstand the spiritual war we are in, plan accordingly, and suit up with confidence (Ephesians 6:14-17). Are you ready? Then read on…
Anoint Your Home
Ephesians 6:12 tells us that we do not fight battles of flesh and blood, but of powerful authorities and rulers, and spiritual forces of dark and evil. This verse makes a rather bold statement but also provides a warning to protect the areas of our lives where we can seek safety and refuge. The same is true in our faith walk and our homes.
When the world feels heavy and the enemy is loud, our home should offer solace and a safe space to retreat from the noise. After all, isn’t this why we have locks on our doors and fences around our yards? It’s to create healthy and safe boundaries. Even more, when we aim to fill our homes with truth and build them on a foundation of faith, it sends a glaring signal to the enemy that we have taken action to safeguard our “fortress” and that everything we own ultimately belongs to God.
There are several ways to anoint your home. It can be as simple as praying over each room and placing Scripture around your home or anointing your doorways, windows, and pathways with oil as a symbolic gesture to invite the Holy Spirit to reside. This act demonstrates that you and your family strive to obey God and live according to His will.
Proclaim Scripture Out Loud
In Luke 4, Jesus models for us the power of proclaiming Scripture out loud. Since God speaks to us and connects to us through His Word, and commands us to be more like Christ, reading Scripture out loud holds so many beautiful benefits.
Not only does it grow us as believers, but it replaces the “noise” with truth. It also puts the enemy in his place, reminding him who you serve! Try a few Scriptures below when worry, fear, or anxiety creep in and try to rob your peace.
When you are feeling anxious, proclaim Philippians 4:6-7, 1 Peter 5:7, and John 14:27.
When you are consumed by fear, proclaim Isiah 41:10, 2 Timothy 1:7, and Psalm 34:4.
When the enemy is loud, proclaim Deuteronomy 28:7, Isiah 54:17, Psalm 91, and Ephesians 6:11-18.
Practice Stillness and Silence
If you haven’t noticed, it’s getting harder to practice stillness and seek silence. It’s almost as if we have forgotten what that actually looks like. Maybe we’ve grown uncomfortable in the stillness, and the silence feels awkward. It’s usually in these moments that we find “comfort” in gazing at our phone or putting in our ear pods. But what if God beckoned for another response?
Psalm 46:10 commands us to be still and know God. However, we can’t truly tune into Him if we are continually immersed in the clutter of noise that comes with the ding of a new notification, the distraction of political divisiveness, the latest update, or the endless scroll that only adds fuel to our already heightened emotions.
So, how do we practice being still and getting quiet in a world that is so demanding and constantly grabbing our attention? It starts with a simple gesture and then grows from there. Maybe it’s leaving the radio off on the way to work and just praying instead. Maybe it’s sitting in a quiet part of your house, taking deep, intentional breaths, allowing your body to relax and find peace. You can also find stillness in nature as you take a morning or evening stroll or write your heart in a gratitude journal. In the end, when we make stillness a part of our routine and step away from all the distractions, we are able to connect more deeply with God and tune in to His presence.
A Prayer for You
Gracious God, I lift the sweet sister in need of Your presence today. Please draw close and help her create boundaries in her life that will allow her to cast out the noise and tune into the nature of your voice. May she be able to distinguish the truth from all the lies by seeking Your wisdom and leaning into the holy Spirit for discernment. Allow her home to be a safe refuge, give her powerful Scriptures to lean into, and provide her with practical ways to seek stillness, silence, and peace. It’s in Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
Photo credit: ©GettyImage/Daniela Jovanovska-Hristovska
