5 Things That Mattered Today, Filtered Through Scripture

Every day brings a fresh wave of news, decisions made in courtrooms, storms brewing in the atmosphere, conflicts playing out across communities. But as believers, we're called to process the world's events through more than just political leanings or social media reactions. We're invited to filter what matters through the eternal truth of Scripture.

Today, February 21, 2026, five significant stories emerged. Here's how we can understand them through the lens of God's Word.

1. Supreme Court Strikes Down Trump's Tariffs

The Facts: The Supreme Court issued a 6-3 decision invalidating President Trump's sweeping tariff program, ruling that only Congress, not the executive branch, holds the constitutional power to impose taxes. The decision represents a significant check on presidential authority and reinforces the separation of powers outlined in the Constitution.

The Lens: Romans 13:1 reminds us that "there is no authority except that which God has established." This isn't just about respecting leaders, it's about respecting the structure of government itself. The separation of powers isn't a political inconvenience; it's a safeguard against concentrated authority that could become oppressive.

When the Supreme Court enforces these boundaries, they're upholding a system designed to prevent tyranny. Throughout Scripture, we see God establishing order and boundaries, from the laws given to Moses to the structure of the early church. Authority functions best when it operates within its God-ordained limits.

The Response: As people of faith, our response isn't to rage at the decision or celebrate based on political preference. Instead, we pray for wisdom for all branches of government. We trust that God is sovereign over Supreme Court decisions just as He is sovereign over elections. And we remember that our ultimate citizenship isn't tied to any earthly government's power plays.

2. Trump Announces 15% Global Tariff Plan

The Facts: Hours after the Supreme Court ruling, President Trump announced he would implement a 15% global tariff, an increase from the 10% rate he had proposed just the day before. The move appears to be a direct response to the Court's decision, raising questions about how the executive branch will navigate constitutional limitations.

The Lens: Proverbs 15:22 teaches that "plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed." The back-and-forth, 10% to 15% in a single day, a major policy shift announced via social media, suggests decision-making driven more by reaction than reflection.

Scripture consistently warns against stubbornness masquerading as strength. There's a difference between godly perseverance and prideful resistance to correction. James 1:19 instructs us to be "quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry", counsel that applies to presidents and everyday believers alike.

The Response: This is where the church can model something different. When our plans hit roadblocks, legal, relational, or otherwise, do we double down in defiance, or do we pause and seek wisdom? Do we surround ourselves with "yes men" or with advisers who will tell us the truth in love?

We can pray for leaders to cultivate humility and wisdom. We can also examine our own hearts: Where are we being stubborn instead of steadfast?

3. Major Winter Storm Threatens Northeast

The Facts: More than 40 million Americans across the Northeast face winter storm alerts, with heavy snow and blizzard conditions expected. Communities are preparing for power outages, travel disruptions, and dangerous conditions as the major system moves eastward.

The Lens: Job 37:6 declares, "He says to the snow, 'Fall on the earth,' and to the rain shower, 'Be a mighty downpour.'" Natural disasters have a way of humbling us. No matter how advanced our technology, how sophisticated our infrastructure, we remain vulnerable to creation itself.

Ecclesiastes reminds us that there's a time for everything: including seasons we can't control. These storms aren't necessarily divine punishment, but they are reminders of our dependence. We plan, we prepare, but ultimately we trust.

The Response: The church shines during storms: not just meteorological ones. This is when we check on elderly neighbors, open our homes to those without power, and share resources with those who need them. Acts 2:44-45 describes the early church sharing "with anyone who had need." Winter storms give us that same opportunity.

Pray for safety for those in the storm's path. Then look around: Who in your community might need help preparing or recovering?

4. Ashley Flynn Murder Case Updates

The Facts: The family of Ashley Flynn released a public statement requesting privacy as the case continues to unfold. The statement comes amid ongoing investigation and public attention surrounding the case.

The Lens: Romans 12:15 calls us to "mourn with those who mourn." Behind every headline about violence and tragedy are real families experiencing unimaginable grief. The Flynn family's request for privacy reminds us that sensational news stories involve human beings created in God's image.

Scripture is unflinching about both the reality of evil and the necessity of justice. Psalm 82:3 commands, "Defend the weak and the fatherless; uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed." Justice matters. But so does compassion for those who are suffering.

The Response: As this case continues, we can commit to two things: praying for justice to be served and respecting the family's grief. That might mean not sharing every update on social media, not speculating in comment sections, and not treating real tragedy as entertainment.

We can also remember that our communities have grieving families right now: people who've lost loved ones to violence, illness, or accidents. The Flynn family's pain can prompt us to reach out to someone in our own circle who's mourning.

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5. Dayton Sues Over Unpaid COVID Relief Funds

The Facts: The city of Dayton filed a lawsuit against Chicken Spot over allegedly unpaid federal COVID relief funds. The case highlights ongoing accountability issues surrounding pandemic-era financial assistance programs and the stewardship of public money.

The Lens: Luke 16:10 teaches, "Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much." The COVID relief programs distributed billions of dollars with the urgent goal of keeping businesses and families afloat. But urgency doesn't eliminate the need for accountability.

Scripture consistently emphasizes faithful stewardship of resources: whether it's the parable of the talents, the instructions about temple offerings, or Paul's counsel on managing church funds. Money that was meant to help struggling businesses and workers should be used for exactly that purpose.

The Response: This story is a reminder to check our own financial integrity. Whether we're managing a business, handling family finances, or volunteering with a ministry's budget, God calls us to honesty and transparency.

It's also an opportunity to pray for wisdom for those navigating these complex cases: that justice would be served, that stolen funds would be recovered, and that those who genuinely struggled during the pandemic would receive the help intended for them.

Looking at Today Through Eternal Eyes

These five stories: from Supreme Court rulings to winter storms to local lawsuits: might seem disconnected. But they all touch on timeless biblical themes: authority and its limits, wisdom versus stubbornness, human vulnerability, justice and compassion, and faithful stewardship.

The news cycle will continue tomorrow with fresh headlines. But our call remains the same: to process current events through the unchanging truth of Scripture, to respond with both conviction and compassion, and to trust that God remains sovereign over everything from blizzards to courtrooms to presidential announcements.

We don't withdraw from the world or pretend these events don't matter. Instead, we engage them with biblical clarity: understanding that every news story is ultimately a human story, and every human being is someone Christ died for.

Follow for more Christ-centered clarity on today's biggest questions at layemcdonald.com.

Sources: Supreme Court decision reporting via multiple news outlets; winter storm alerts from National Weather Service; Ashley Flynn case updates from local news; Dayton lawsuit from regional reporting.