Jeremiah 51:15-58, 52:1-3, 37:1-10
2 Chronicles 36:10-14
2 Kings 24:10-20
1 Chronicles 3:10-16
Jeremiah 51:46, “Do not lose heart or be afraid when rumors are heard in the land; one rumor comes this year, another the next, rumors of violence in the land and of ruler against ruler.”
“Did you hear?”
“You know what they say is happening right now…”
Rumors are like verbal clickbait. Since antiquity, they have circulated, stirring up confusion and anxiety — wheels that, for all their spinning, get us no closer to the truth.
Back in biblical times, rumors of war and political instability were a real source of fear. There was no easy fact-checking or cross-referencing. A disproportionate amount of stock could easily be put into these claims of questionable accuracy simply because there were few other options.
But just as God told the Israelites back then, He is telling us today that there is another option: trusting in Him. He is the ultimate authority on truth — He is omniscient and omnipotent; He knows exactly what is happening on every square inch of the planet at all times, for all of time, and He has told us in His Word not to fear.
Whatever you may hear, whatever rumors of violence and war and sickness and strife proliferate (or even sticking around too long to involve idle neighborhood gossip), we are called to surrender our anxieties to Him and be bearers of truth. He is, has been, and always will be victor over all the corruption and death in this world — while we can prepare and keep safe to the best of our ability, there always comes the point when we have to give it to God, and there are no better hands than His to safeguard our spirits and lives. So, don’t worry over the latest news flaps or about what others predict will happen. More than rumor has it — that God is in control! Therefore, take a deep breath and rest in that truth!
God, You know the worries and rumors I have struggled with. Help me surrender them all to You and to trust Your Word over all else. Thank You for Your dependability and Your promise of salvation. In Jesus’ name, Amen!