The Antidote for Bad News

Tim Hall

I've not often encountered rattlesnakes or copperheads while out hiking through the woods. To be bitten by a poisonous snake would be a concern, but it is good to know there are anti-venom serums available.

Life in 2015 America finds us surrounded with venomous messages. In just the last few weeks, consider these stories carried by the news: Terrorists take more lives, and the threats are getting closer to our homes; drought in the western U.S. is driving up food prices; famous people are making shocking lifestyle changes -- and they are being praised for what we  consider scandalous; surveys reveal fewer Americans claim to be affiliated with churches; etc., etc., etc. How discouraging it can be to watch the news!

We're not the first generation of godly people to deal with such sinful surroundings. Peter reminds us of Lot, whom he described as a "righteous man" who was "greatly distressed by the sensual conduct of the wicked" (2 Peter 2:7). The important thing to note in that passage is that the Lord rescued Lot; Peter used his example to assure his readers of their deliverance, too.

When the great serpent, Satan, injects his venom into our minds through accounts of bad things happening, what can God's people do? Is there an antidote?

Ponder these words to find the answer "Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God." (Hebrews 12"1,2).

The antidote is a two-step process: (1) Set your focus on Jesus. "Looking to Jesus" means that we don't just look at the things around us in the world; we especially look to our Lord, the One who overcame the world (John 16:33). Maintaining our focus on Him will help keep everything in balance. (2) Continue running the Christian race. "Run with patience," even when others laugh at you for being old fashioned, uneducated, dull. We know the One who has called us, and we know He is faithful and true.

A hymn we often sing offers encouragement: "This is my Father's world; O let me ne'er forget that tho' the wrong seems often strong, God is the ruler yet! This is my Father's world! The earth and heaven's declare His wonders here, His glory there, for He is everywhere."

It may seem like Satan has taken possession of Planet Earth. That's exactly what he wants us to think. Take the antidote God has prescribed; keep your eyes on Jesus.