Who likes to listen to the news? Or read the news? I know I sure don’t. I have this idea that I should. It is the responsible thing to do. Right? It’s what grown-ups do. One should be informed. I guess that is true, to some degree. However, more often than not, the news is just depressing. No, check that. More often than not, the news is angry and divisive; it frequently seems slanted, incomplete, and self-serving. The gist: this group is trying to get that group. That group is evil. Everywhere you turn, there are plots and ill intent. One thing is clear: everybody is upset about something. And a second thing: whatever someone is upset about is the most important thing to them. Disagree, or try to change the subject, and they will not have it. Rage, rage. Everywhere rage.

Thousands of years ago, the Psalmist foresaw this. Okay - not quite. Thousands of years ago, the Psalmist wrote something that seems as relevant today as it was then. How? It turns out that people at odds with one another, even at each other’s throats, is not a new phenomenon. Conspiracies and conspiracy stories are not new. Self-interest and oppression are not new. And God’s people feeling like they are especially vulnerable is not new. Take a moment here. Pick up your Bible and turn to Psalm 2.

“Why do the nations conspire and the peoples plot in vain? The kings of the earth rise up and the rulers band together against the LORD and against his anointed, saying, ‘Let us break their chains and throw off their shackles.’” (Psalm 2:1-3) As people of faith, we think we aren’t shackling anyone. However, many seem to think that faith, especially faith in Jesus Christ, is a shackle that needs to be thrown off; that anything we stand for (which is really what God stands for) is wrong, even evil.

There is good news, if we see it. It doesn’t come on the nightly news or in your news feed on your digital and mobile devices. The good news comes from God. It comes in Psalm 2 and many other passages. Verse 4 - “The One enthroned in heaven laughs; the Lord scoffs at them. He rebukes them in his anger and terrifies them in his wrath.”

The Psalmist goes on to warn earthly rulers, which should serve as some good news to us who follow God. Basically, the Lord will not let the evil actions of earthly rulers stand. In time, there will be a reconning. The Psalm ends with a word of affirmation, “Blessed are all who take refuge in him.” (Psalm 2:12)

The key here is for us as believers to understand where our hope comes from. We need to keep things in perspective. There is a lot wrong in the world. There is good too. However, it is the wrong, the bad, that seems to get the majority of the press. Much of it can seem especially troubling to us a people of faith. Understanding and embracing the GOOD news helps us not to be overwhelmed. Psalm 2 is a good reminder. Or, we can turn to Jesus, our Savior, and find similar comfort there: “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)

Don’t be afraid to turn on the news. How else will we know of many things that we ought to be praying about? Just make sure to spend as much time, or even more, in the Good News to maintain your perspective.

Grace, Mercy and Peace,

Pastor Blaine