What to believe?
Has anyone else been frustrated with the conflicting information that we have been receiving about the coronavirus? There are recent questions about when the virus started and how reliable the various models are. There are even questions about the effectiveness of social distancing - should we all move to Sweden? I watch the news every evening in search of truth. I keep expecting a different result yet each evening I find nothing but uncertainty. Do you feel my cynicism? Perhaps you've become cynical along with me.
I hope we are spending an equal amount of time seeking truth in the Bible. I have been reading and re-reading 1 Peter 1 over and over again. I haven't become cynical in reading the Bible yet. I don't think I will either because there is certainty in its pages. Vs. 13 says, "Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ." Listen, grace is on its way! The fulfillment of the salvation that Peter has been talking about in verses 2-12 is a delivery that will come, and it will be on-time. We can be sure of that in these days of uncertainty.
What is the exhortation/command that Peter gives us in the mean-while? Set your hope by girding up your mind for action, and being sober-minded. It seems that Peter wants us to focus on our thinking and our thoughts! I will say this for the quarantine - I have had some time to start a few new habits. For example, I've started being very intentional about my exercise by running 3-4 times a week. Perhaps you have started something similar to get out of the house, and get a break from Netflix.
Let's be intentional about exercising our minds in God's Word. Learn it. Read it. Memorize it. The uncertainty of the daily news can make our hearts depressed and anxious. But, the Word of God has the power to re-set your hope in what God has done through Jesus Christ on your behalf. Let your mind dwell on the unbelievable grace that you have been gifted in spite of your inability to deserve it. That grace is hope-inspiring. Think about the future grace that will be revealed when you see Jesus face to face, and everything is made new! If you have been looking for hope, it's closer than you think. Seek it and find it in the pages of his Word.