A Pilgrimage Fueled by Hope: What’s My Worldview?
By Sharon W. Betters
TODAY’S TREASURE
*Editor's Note: We are re-running one of our favorite Daily Treasure devotionals today in light of the leap year day! Enjoy the extra devotional!
I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. - John 16:33 NIV
The family room looked like a scene out of a Hallmark movie. The fireplace glowed, Christmas lights twinkled, and five of our grandchildren quietly explored their Christmas gifts. Our son, Dan, suddenly exclaimed, “Almost every gift in this room is from a Disney movie. Some of these toys are just updated from the toys I played with. Disney’s marketing strategy is brilliant! For generations to come, parents will buy Disney toys to try to recapture the nostalgia of moments like this.”
Sadly, along with the saturation of our culture with Disney toys, a subliminal Disney worldview permeates our thinking. Millions visit Disney parks every year, with hopes of experiencing the “happiest place” on earth. Many conclude a happy ending is his or her right. Divorce rates indicate that many have bought into this worldview concluding they are not obligated to endure and work at their marriages, relationships or responsibilities. This thinking directly conflicts with Jesus’ warning to His disciples that in this world we will have trouble.
Thankfully, Jesus doesn’t leave us with that bad news.
“I have told you these things so that you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble, but take heart! I have overcome the world.” - John 16:33 NIV
As we begin this series, take time to think through your own worldview. Do you live life through the grid that God wants you to be happy, therefore, you don’t need to endure when life turns upside down? How does that mantra compare to the declaration of Jesus that life will be hard, but we are not hopeless or helpless in the face of those shattered dreams?
Ask yourself: What is my default system when “life happens”? To what or to whom do I look for peace, purpose, and relief from the pain? We live in a culture that screams there are pills for every ache from over the counter medicines, to prescription drugs, or illegal drugs. Others try to mask their pain with alcohol, exercise, success, relationships, entertainment. What is your “drug of choice” when your world corners you? Do you depend on performance, friendships and acceptance to give you your identity? What about the popular mantra: Believe in yourself?
The child of God is swimming against a current of false teachings and a culture designed to turn our hearts away from the call of Jesus and His peace. Let’s take a step back and reflect on our worldview. Through what grid do you push your thoughts and actions? Is it biblical? Have you concluded that though the Bible is God’s Word, it is not relevant to your life today? If so, what is your default mode when life comes crashing down? How do you respond to the invitation in our Daily Treasure: Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good?
PRAYER
Father, open our hearts to Your truth, to Your roadmap. Open our eyes to where we have bought into the lies of our culture that turns our hearts away from You when You are the only One Who can lead us safely Home. Help us to remember to reach out to you in prayer, confident that you are the God who can do the impossible.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Sharon W. Betters is author of Treasures of Encouragement, Treasures in Darkness and co-author of Treasures of Faith. She is Director of Resource Development and co-founder of MARKINC.org, a nonprofit organization that offers help and hope to hurting people. Sharon enjoys quality time with her husband, children, and fourteen grandchildren.
For more from Daily Treasure please visit MARKINC.ORG.
Originally published Friday, 30 December 2022.
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