The headlines have become heavy.
Violence feels closer than it used to. Attacks feel less predictable. Fear travels faster than facts, and many of us carry a low level tension even when we are not directly affected.
It would be easy to believe that the world has entered territory Scripture did not anticipate.
But Jesus spoke clearly into times like these.
Jesus Acknowledged Violence Without Feeding Fear
When Jesus talked about the future, He did not minimise what was coming.
He spoke about wars. About unrest. About nations rising against one another.
But what He said next matters deeply.
"You will hear of wars and rumours of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed."
Matthew 24:6Notice what He did not say. He did not say there will be no wars. He did not say nothing bad will happen. He said do not be alarmed.
The distinction matters.
Faith Is Not the Absence of Awareness
Faith is not pretending the danger is not there. Faith is choosing where to place your trust when danger is undeniably present.
Jesus did not call His followers to naivety. He called them to sovereignty. To a kingdom that operates by different rules than the kingdoms of this world.
The rules of the Kingdom do not change when violence multiplied. Love is still the way. Faith is still the pathway. Prayer is still the weapon.
What the Kingdom Does Not Do
The Kingdom does not meet violence with violence. That is the pattern of the world.
The Kingdom meets hatred with love, fear with faith, darkness with light.
This is not weakness. It is the most countercultural strength there is.
The Kingdom advances not by matching violence with force, but by meeting darkness with faithful presence.
The Call Is to Remain Awake and Anchored
Jesus did not call His followers to ignore the world.
He called them to remain awake, sober, and anchored in truth.
To resist hatred. To refuse dehumanisation. To keep loving when fear would be easier.
"God is our refuge and strength, an ever present help in trouble."
Psalm 46:1Hold This Gently
What has stirred fear in you lately? What images or stories have stayed with you?
Bring those honestly before God. Ask Him not to remove your awareness, but to steady your heart.
Violence may be multiplying.
But Jesus is still speaking.
And He is still saying, do not be afraid.
Father, steady my heart when the headlines are heavy. Help me to trust You rather than fear. Teach me to love even when it is hard, and to remain faithful in the difficult times. In Jesus Name, Amen.
With honesty and hope,
Claire