Upon waking, I try but often fail to keep the harsh, unpleasant world out of my consciousness. It is a Facebook notification on my phone. Or a “Sale ending soon!” pitch. Or I get an email about something I am asked to remedy soonest for a client. A constant Internet connection and particularly, social media amplifies our inner fears. On some rare occasions, we feel optimism. On the daily treadmill of obligations or meeting your basic needs, emotions fluctuate. Feeling negative or feeling good emotionally is based on what you see, hear, read, and do repetitively. Our environment has a strong influence on us. When we start our day unprepared or distracted, it affects us negatively.
A proverb was written twenty-five hundred years ago. “Above all else, guard your heart,
for everything you do flows from it.”1. This was meant to guide us now as then. In biblical language, the heart is the center of the human spirit. It is this spirit from which spring emotions, thoughts, attitudes, motivation, courage and action. That is, the wellspring of life.
We must be deliberate in what we consume.
World weary?
All people are formed by their physical and emotional development and experience. Some have been raised in families where love and acceptance was conditional or absent. Others have been damaged by war, disease, or physical or emotional trauma. And still others, having known difficult circumstances, seem more resilient to negativity. During our lifetime, forces outside our control, or our actions and choices result in sometimes facing disappointments. It is how we process those negative circumstances that define us.
If we do not know where to turn for encouragement and confidence, we will be weary and defeated. Words as community, family or faith are not regarded as they once were. People in authority betray or are dismissed by constituents for a lack of trust. And this is reinforced with the negative information spread by social media. Reports on human suffering and natural disasters search for those to blame. On any given day, driving along a highway or city street, many people are rude, oblivious or impatient. They act as if it is “every man (or woman) for thyself.” We need a different standard to secure our perception and our well-being. It should not be based on our experience nor our understanding which often is biased. The source has come through a Teacher whom most have heard but do not understand what He offers in relationship. Two thousand years ago, Jesus taught:
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matt.11:28 -30, NIV)
Prisoners no more
“We are prisoners here of our own device”, is from the 1970’s Eagles song, “Hotel California”. It means we become prisoners of our own poor choices 2. If we were tricked into becoming that person, we tricked ourselves. This aligns with what Christian teacher John Mark Comer explains as sin. Sin is all the negative impulses and actions humans commit, experience, or are surrounded with. Apart from those who commit violence, adultery, or human trafficking, there are those who are angry, narcissistic or bigoted. Pornography, addiction, and homelessness are problems that defy man-made solutions. Social media dictates what to believe and demeans dissent. And still others claim to follow Jesus but neither know Him nor do as He did. For many, so many problems without solution results in becoming world weary and self-centered.
What many are seeking is hoped-for relief. But Hope is not found by trusting in a person (a President, a priest or a celebrity). Many throughout human history have done that. The wreckage that results has always been costly. And the burdens do not diminish. Instead, taking hold of the spiritual connection in Christ, our trust is affirmed. In allowing ourselves to be yoked to Jesus Christ, through Him we find Hope. We find rest. We find renewal. Through Jesus we learn from God. We then recognize His Love for us and are drawn into a relationship that heals us.
Optimism, the Spirit of God working in me, repels the uncertainty of each day. With a renewed heart, and weariness dispelled in shouldering His yoke, each day is transformational. Jesus has overcome the world and in Him, we find peace (John 16:33, NIV).
1 Proverbs 4:23, New International Version (NIV) Bible
2 see website, English Language & Usage
It's a Dog's Life 