Jeremiah 49:23-24
Concerning Damascus:
Hamath and Arpad are dismayed, for they have heard the bad news. They are disheartened, troubled like the restless sea. Damascus has become feeble, she has turned to flee and panic has gripped her; anguish and pain have seized her, pain like that of a woman in labor. NIV
If I were more of a Biblical scholar, I might know more about Hamath and Arpad. I don’t. But, I can certainly identify with them. Bad news is often disheartening, and troubling.
The Message translates the last part of verse 23, “their hearts will melt in fear as they pace back and forth in worry.”
As I think about it, bad news of things that already have happened makes me sad, but, it doesn’t usually worry me … unless I begin to consider the consequences of the bad thing. Bad news about things that might happen is often troubling …
It seems to hold true … if I will remain focused in the present, my present, with God … my worries will be mitigated, perhaps even eliminated.
That’s what I’ll think about today.
365 Days of Peace 