All of us at some point receive bad news. A terminal diagnosis, the death of a friend or loved one, or a financial investment gone sour. Really, it only takes a brief glance at the headlines or a sudden phone call to feel completely overwhelmed by the winds of bad news. Our body, soul, and spirit absorb that heavy sadness, and we wonder how to find our bearings when the storm hits.

As Christ followers, we are called to look past the immediate chaos and ground ourselves in the unshakeable nature of God. When we are overwhelmed by bad news, God invites us into a deeper reality of who He is, where hardship can be transformed into holy presence.

The Scriptures do not ignore our suffering, but they show us how to navigate it. The Apostle Paul writes to the suffering church at Thessalonica, “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)

If this feels impossible, in the verses immediately  following he tells us that we love and serve the ‘God of peace’ and HE will surely give us this peace:

“Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it.” (1 Thessalonians 5:23-24)

To the church in Ephesus undergoing persecution and receiving years of bad news, Paul says in Ephesians 5:15-16, “See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.”

Redeeming the time does not mean ignoring the bad situation; it means claiming every single moment for God’s glory, even when the circumstances are dark. It is about recognizing that our days belong to Him, not to the bad news.

When things break down around us, we can easily let the enemy steal our peace. But making the most of a difficult season requires us to shift our vision.

In Philippians 4:8, Paul instructs us from a prison cell: “Whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”

Meditating on God’s goodness and righteousness is our spiritual center. When bad news hits or during a season of trials, God can provide streams of beauty, fellowship, and joy with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, if we have the eyes to see them.

Remember that you are the  temple of the Holy Ghost (1 Cor. 6:19). God is actively using our current hardships to shape us, renovate our minds, and deepen our spirit of faith. If you are going through a difficult time, received bad news, or feel overwhelmed, I pray you have the grace not to let this season rob you of the present blessing of being alive and in fellowship with God.

If you are having troubles that seem to overwhelm, please reach out to someone who cares for support. You can even hit reply to this email and reach out to me. I would be honored to talk and pray with you.

I leave you with this famous Psalm of comfort. If you have recently received bad news or have been in a season of suffering, meditate and soak in each word as a balm to the hurts and hardships.

The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.

He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: He leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; Thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: Thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: And I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.”

Psalm 23

Blessings and Peace,

Rev. Todd