I remember hearing older people say this all the time when I was a kid. And now, I catch myself saying it to young believers in Christ that come to me with their fears or their disappointments with the things of this world.

It’s easy to look around and feel frustration rising. Everywhere we turn, we see people living as though the Creator doesn’t matter—using His world and His children like pieces on a board for their own advantage. We watch leaders and prosperity preachers borrow the language of faith to build influence or chase money. From the outside, they seem to be thriving. They look like they’re winning. But appearances can lie.

I know. I know!!! It seems like they continually do exactly what they want to do with no regard for God; with no regard for the world God created or the people that God created. Their lives look prosperous. I know it seems like they are in control. It can be maddening! But don’t be deceived, God will not be mocked! He sees those who call out His name for their own gain. He hears the prosperity preachers. He hear and sees the leaders who say with their lips that they are of the household of faith for the sake of a vote. God is never out of control!! NEVER!! So don’t think about it —- think on things that are just, pure, lovely, of good report. Don’t bother yourself — keep your mind on Him and He’ll keep you in perfect peace. Don’t blow a gasket — anger will destroy you, but the joy of the Lord is your strength.

What is your gut feeling when you are exposed to injustice or hypocrisy in leadership? And how can you trade that for God’s perfect peace?

Our calling isn’t to play referee over His justice, or to surrender our peace because someone else’s success looks loud and flashy. Our calling is simpler—and stronger: Stay steady. Stay focused. Stay anchored in Him.

Psalm 37:1-3 tells us not to worry because of people that do evil and it reminds us that we shouldn’t envy what the evildoers ensure that we see. They are not parts of our eternal life and will not be victorious forever and they will fade away! We just have to remember to trust in the Lord and do good.

We are promised victory, true victory when we focus on what He has taught us in His Word. He tells us that our minds should be focused on truth, nobility, correctness, purity, admirable things and things that bring beauty, excellence and that bring God glory. (Philippians 4:8) And He promises to keep us completely whole when we set our minds on Him and our trust in Him.

What are three uplifting or pleasant things you can think about today to take your mind off of how bad things are in the world?

When I was a teenager, I led a song in our church – and the words helped build my faith in The One; “If anybody asks you, who I am, tell them I’m a child of the King! This old world is not my home! My home is heaven and you’re welcome to come along! I’m a child, just a child, of The King!” Sisters and brothers in Christ, we are just passing through. While earthly leaders come and go, and earthly systems eventually crumble, we belong to a Kingdom that cannot be shaken. Jesus is our Great High Priest, and He is preparing us to reign with Him in a new heaven and a new earth. Don’t blow a gasket over temporary things. Anger will only drain you, but the joy of the Lord will sustain you.

Keep your eyes on the King.

Father, thank You that You are the First and the Last. Nothing in this world surprises you at all. I ask that you will truly for give me for each and every time that I have allowed anything that I see, hear or experience to steal my joy or cause me anxiety. I lay my frustrations and my need for instant justice at Your feet. Help me to guard my mind, to think only on Your ways and Your Word! Keep my memory focuses on my eternal home with you. I truly thank you that I know your unspeakable joy is mine, in the power of the Holy Spirit; and I thank you that your joy is truly my strength! Hallelujah! So glad that you are The One on The Throne! In the name of Your son, Jesus. AMEN