As I sit here writing this, I wonder how you are feeling? I know that many of us find the way things are in the world quite stressful. I know there are a lot of people who really struggle with the negative news feeds and the constant barrage of updates on social media. So I set out to explore whether it was just a general impression I had and discovered that global conflicts are causing widespread stress, anxiety, and profound mental health issues. This is described by experts as a form of ‘globalised trauma’. This stress stems from fear, hopelessness, and a loss of control, affecting not just those directly in combat zones but also civilians worldwide witnessing the events*.
What is happening globally at the moment is not unexpected. The Bible vividly portrays a world of escalating military conflict. For instance, the Lord Jesus taught His followers (recorded in Mark chapter 13 verse 7, ESV) - ‘And when you hear of wars and rumours of wars, do not be alarmed. This must take place, but the end is not yet’. This is not the only place where this warning is given. If you do a little research, you will find that Iran, Israel, Russia (there are more) are all prophesied as being involved in global conflict in ‘end times’. It would be unwise to claim that these predictions are currently being fulfilled. Still, it would also be careless to ignore the possibility that various scenarios are rapidly taking shape.
Another remarkable fact is that the Judeo/Christian scriptures emphasise the emotional trauma that people will experience at the same time as global events are spiralling out of control. Luke, the Physician, writes in his gospel record that people will be ‘fainting with fear and with foreboding of what is coming on the world,’ Luke 21. 26.
This information only highlights what is happening in the world. It points out that the Bible predicted that, at some stage, it would happen. So what can we do to minimise the stress and help us get through times like these? Experts recommend managing stress by limiting news consumption, maintaining daily routines, and connecting with social support networks. This is good advice, but let me add some more wisdom to the mix.
Firstly, we need to take the Bible seriously; secondly, we need to listen to the message from our creator and trust Him. The Bible has been proven true time and time again. Its truth is trustworthy, timeless, and relevant to every generation. I believe (as millions do) that the following statements from the Bible are true. Read them, pray about them, believe them (rest and rely on them), and you will find peace in our times and hope for the future.
‘From childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus’ - 2 Timothy 3:15 (ESV)
‘But the word of the Lord endureth forever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you’ - 1 Peter 1:25 (KJV)
‘Thy word is true from the beginning: and every one of thy righteous judgments endureth forever’ - Psalm 119:160 (KJV)
‘And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever’ - 1 John 2:17 (ESV)
* Source - Mental Health America, The Guardian Newspaper
All photos courtesy of Unsplash
No comments
Post a Comment