Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. – Isaiah 41:10

The modern news cycle covering this country and the world can quickly distract you. Reporting on events and circumstances encroach from every direction, clamoring loudly for “somebody” to do “something.” Negative perspectives of national and international situations may incline you toward a sense of discouragement or despair. Though you are a follower of Christ, you are not exempt from earthly trials and tribulations. The uncertainty of the future tempts you to be anxious or fearful.

How do you respond to such enticing stimuli? Do you just place mind over matter? The mind affects the body, but the body also affects the mind. Your emotions are a gift from God to certify your humanness. But when your thoughts are allowed to run amok, your emotions will move in a negative direction, toward despair. The Lord directs you, through the writings of the apostle Paul, to “destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:5).

Taking every thought captive requires discipline to win the spiritual battle. While you cannot accomplish this through human strength, you receive the Lord’s power to bring down strongholds (2 Corinthians 10:4). You have the Word of God and the power of His Holy Spirit. Prayer, worship, thanksgiving, and praise are also antidotes for those moments when tension tries to sneak in. Use those to free your mind from the bondage of pessimism and despair. With the peaceful, hopeful attitude and emotions that result, you reflect Jesus Christ and become an effective instrument in God’s hands. Pray today that the Lord would soften the hearts of many in government so that they receive His transformation in their lives.