Where Are You Looking?
It’s been said that bad news can travel the neighborhood before good news even gets its boots on. Psychologists call this negativity bias; it’s the human tendency to more readily respond and dwell on negative stimuli than positive ones. Think how quickly one negative comment or experience can take control of your emotions and ruin an otherwise perfect day. Science has been studying to make sense of this behavior for many years but Jesus already knew it well. It’s why He tells the disciples, “when you hear of wars and insurrections, don’t panic” (Luke 21:9).
The forecast didn’t seem favorable - great earthquakes, famines, and pandemics. He said violent opposition and persecution would come. They would be hated, betrayed and some even put to death. Amid an otherwise discouraging outlook, Jesus promises a victorious ending. Luke 21:28 says, “Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near.” While others are overcome with fear because they are caught up looking at what is happening in the world, Jesus says we must look in another direction. Paul said it like this, “Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven” (Colossians 3:1).
News sites and social media companies are making big money through the science of negativity bias. Every click, view, and share results in more money for them. Still, the greater concern is how this diet of negativity suffocates you spiritually. Fox News and Facebook aren’t the only ones who benefit from you being caught up with what is happening in the world, the devil does too. We unnecessarily burden ourselves by fixating on the negativity in this world rather than promises of God that are invading it. It would do us all well to disconnect from sources of carnality and worry and strengthen our connection with the Holy Spirit.
Being a Christian doesn’t come with a “free from problems” guarantee. Instead, God promises His abiding presence and help in times of trouble (Psalm 46:1). If you desire to thrive spiritually and overcome that unwanted adversity, you’ve got to be looking in the right direction. The question remains, where are you looking? Are you feeding the fear in your life by looking around at what is happening in the world? Or are you strong in the faith because your eyes are fixed on the redemption that is coming?