Show Notes
In this week’s Formed for Faithfulness, we explore how to stay grounded in God’s truth when the world’s news tempts us toward despair. Drawing from the book of Habakkuk, Numbers 13, and 2 Thessalonians 1, this reflection reminds us that bad news should ignite compassion and purpose—not fear.
Together, let’s reflect on cultivating hearts that burn for justice, mercy, and faith, not melt with hopelessness. Plus, join in a prayer for truth and integrity in the media—that journalists and readers alike would seek what’s right for the good of all.
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Episode Transcript
In this week’s Formed for Faithfulness, in the 21st week of normal time, we pause to consider how even as we seek to be shaped more into God’s image and likeness, sometimes overlooked forces are at work desiring to mold us into the world’s way of doubt and despair. How we need God’s truth to illuminate our ways.
And now a selection of readings from the book of Habakkuk, beginning with chapter 1 verses 1-4, then moving to chapter 2 verses 1-4.
1 The prophecy that Habakkuk the prophet received.
2
How long, Lord, must I call for help,
but you do not listen?
Or cry out to you, “Violence!”
but you do not save?
3
Why do you make me look at injustice?
Why do you tolerate wrongdoing?
Destruction and violence are before me;
there is strife, and conflict abounds.
4
Therefore the law is paralyzed,
and justice never prevails.
The wicked hem in the righteous,
so that justice is perverted.
1 I will stand at my watch
and station myself on the ramparts;
I will look to see what he will say to me,
and what answer I am to give to this complaint.
2 Then the Lord replied:
“Write down the revelation
and make it plain on tablets
so that a herald may run with it.
3
For the revelation awaits an appointed time;
it speaks of the end
and will not prove false.
Though it linger, wait for it;
it will certainly come
and will not delay.
4
“See, the enemy is puffed up;
his desires are not upright—
but the righteous person will live by his faithfulness
When the people of God were poised to enter the promised land, one bad report, according to Numbers 13:32, kept them from going ahead and receiving all he had in mind for them. If we think of those ten men who told the giants in the land as journalists rather than spies, they did go and investigate on others’ behalf after all. We might consider this event as an amazing example of the power of the press. The account in Numbers of that failed reconnaissance tells how when people heard what the majority group had to say, an entire generation missed out on his purpose because, scripture says, their hearts melted within them. And isn’t that the way that so much of the news we consume leaves us feeling? Overwhelmed, hopeless, and helpless? But I don’t believe that’s God’s intent. I’m not suggesting we bury our heads in the sand to avoid discomfort. However, I believe that as Christians, when we learn of bad news, our hearts should burn, not melt. Burn for justice, mercy, compassion, and deliverance. This highlights the importance of weighing and measuring what we are told. The prophet Habakkuk hints at the responsibility carried by those sharing God’s perspective on the world. God tells him to write what he shows him and make it plain. In other words, don’t try to be clever, just be clear. And here’s the kicker. Some translations render verse two such that he who reads it may run with it. In other words, the reader is supposed to be spurred into action, not to despair. Let’s pray for those in the media that they may communicate hard truths with hope and for we who consume their reports that we may have wisdom and discernment and be ready to run, run for office, run food pantries, run redemptive businesses. Because of what we have learned, because our hearts are kindled by faith in what God can do, not crushed by despair.
And now a reading from Psalm 119 verses 137 to 144.
You are righteous, Lord,
and your laws are right.
The statutes you have laid down are righteous;
they are fully trustworthy.
My zeal wears me out,
for my enemies ignore your words.
Your promises have been thoroughly tested,
and your servant loves them.
Though I am lowly and despised,
I do not forget your precepts.
Your righteousness is everlasting
and your law is true.
Trouble and distress have come upon me,
but your commands give me delight.
Your statutes are always righteous;
give me understanding that I may live.
Let’s pray with Benjamin Reinke.
Dear Heavenly Father, we come before you with a prayer for truth and integrity in the media. We ask that you guide and inspire journalists, reporters, and all media professionals to seek and uphold the truth in their work. May they be unwavering in their commitment to accuracy, fairness, and unbiased reporting. Give them the courage to resist sensationalism and the wisdom to discern fact from fiction. We pray that through their dedication to truth, they may contribute to a more informed and just society. Amen.
And finally, a reading from 2 Thessalonians, chapter 1: 1-4, and verses 11-12.
1 Paul, Silas and Timothy,
To the church of the Thessalonians in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ:
2 Grace and peace to you from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
3 We ought always to thank God for you, brothers and sisters, and rightly so, because your faith is growing more and more, and the love all of you have for one another is increasing. 4 Therefore, among God’s churches we boast about your perseverance and faith in all the persecutions and trials you are enduring.
11 With this in mind, we constantly pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling, and that by his power he may bring to fruition your every desire for goodness and your every deed prompted by faith. 12 We pray this so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.
