Every morning I follow a simple routine that has quietly changed my life. Before I allow the world to speak to me, I allow God to do so. I spend time reading the Holy Scriptures and only after that do I unfold the morning newspapers.
It was not always this way. Years ago, the order had been in reverse. The newspaper came first and the Bible afterwards. I thought I was becoming well informed. Instead, I was becoming well worried.
The headlines marched into my mind before God ever had a chance to. Politicians stood on the front pages beating their chests as if they alone held the destiny of nations. There were wars, murders, scams, threats, economic disasters, predictions of doom and enough shouting to wake the dead.
By the time I came to my prayers, my heart had already been occupied by anxiety.
Then one day I decided to change the order.
First, God.
Then the newspapers.
The difference was astonishing.
Instead of beginning my day with men claiming to be powerful, I began it with the One who actually is.
By the time I reached the newspapers, something inside me had changed. Those towering political figures no longer seemed quite so tall. Their speeches sounded a little less frightening. Their promises became slightly amusing. Their threats lost much of their sting. I found myself smiling at these self-important gentlemen strutting across the pages as though history would stop if they did.
The Scriptures had already reminded me of a simple truth. Kingdoms rise and kingdoms fall. Empires are built and disappear into dust. Great rulers become little paragraphs in history books. Yet God remains exactly where He has always been.
Unmoved. Unshaken. Unworried.
That changes one's perspective.
When you have just been listening to eternity, today's headlines become tomorrow's fish wrapping. The men shouting into microphones suddenly resemble little boys quarrelling over who owns the biggest marble. They may pass unfair laws. They may create division. They may use the police force like their private army.
But none of them controls tomorrow's sunrise.
Only One does.
That does not mean we stop caring about our country or close our eyes to injustice. We should vote wisely, speak courageously and stand for what is right. But we should never confuse political power with ultimate power.
So, every morning I still read the newspapers. I still keep myself informed. But first I spend time with God. It is the best way I know to keep the world in its proper perspective.
After all, once you have met the King of Kings, it becomes much easier to smile indulgently at the little men who think they are.
Try doing the same, it can change not just your day, but your life..!
The Author conducts an online, eight session Writers and Speakers Course. If you’d like to join, do send a thumbs-up to WhatsApp number 9892572883 or send a message to bobsbanter@gmail.com
