It seems everywhere we turn there are reports of conflict, instability, and uncertainty. The news cycle feels relentless. Jesus’ words have been coming to my mind often:

“You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed...” (Matthew 24:6)

None of the things that happen in the world has taken Him by surprise! Long before we were born, Jesus told His disciples that these things would happen. And yet His instruction was clear: See that you are not alarmed.

That tells me that while we cannot control world events, we are invited to guard our hearts.

When Jesus spoke about the future and the terrible days that will come during the Great Tribulation, He said something remarkable:

“When these things begin to happen, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.” (Luke 21:28)

We may not be living in the Great Tribulation period right now, but I believe the principle still applies. When unsettling things happen, where are our eyes?

Are they fixed on headlines?

On social media?

On fear?

Or are we lifting up our heads and looking to Jesus?

The posture matters.

The psalmist wrote, “I lift up my eyes to the hills—where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.” (Psalm 121:1–2). Our help has not changed. Our Savior has not moved. Our Shepherd is still faithful.

I know it is human and natural to look at the various circumstances and feel afraid. I have felt that pull myself. There have been illnesses and issues in my family recently, and some days the weight of it all has felt very heavy. It would be easy to let anxiety take center stage.

But I am reminded that focus is a choice:

Looking at the storm is natural.

Looking at Jesus is intentional.

When Peter stepped out onto the water, he walked on the waves for as long as his eyes were on Christ (Matthew 14:29–30). The moment his focus shifted to the wind, fear rose. I see myself in that story more often than I’d like to admit.

Each day, we are invited to choose where we look.

When we turn our attention toward Jesus — when we spend time with Him, listen to Him in His Word, speak to Him in prayer, and simply delight in Him — something shifts inside of us. His presence steadies our emotions. His promises reframe our perspective. His peace guards our hearts and minds (Philippians 4:6–7).

Isaiah 26:3 says, “You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on You.” In other words, Peace is connected to where your mind rests.

So let me gently ask:

Are you spending time with Jesus each day?

Are you listening for His voice?

Are you allowing Him to shape your thoughts more than the news does?

No condemnation — just encouragement.

And as we lift up our heads, let’s help others do the same. There are people all around us who are overwhelmed and anxious. A simple reminder — a text, a prayer, a conversation pointing them back to Jesus — can make an eternal difference. Hebrews 10:24–25 encourages us to “spur one another on toward love and good deeds… encouraging one another — and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”

Lori, the world may feel shaky, but our foundation is not.

Jesus is still King.

He is still coming again.

He is still our peace.

So today, stand up.

Lift up your head.

Fix your eyes on Him.

“And let us run with endurance the race set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith…” (Hebrews 12:1–2).

I am praying for you — that your heart will be steady, your mind anchored in truth, and your joy rooted deeply in Christ.