How Do We Keep a Positive Attitude With So Much Bad News?

And let’s not forget global warming, oil prices and immigration. Lions and tigers and bears, oh my!

Do you find yourself as disgusted as I am by headlines that are filled with every kind of hate, deceit, corruption, and wickedness? Every day it’s the same old things: we read the papers, then it takes a Herculean effort to try to enjoy a morning cup of coffee and forget about the fact there’s probably lead in our drinking water. Sensationalism is as addictive as narcotics, let’s make no mistakes about that. And the sad part in all of this is you’re more than likely paying for it to be delivered to your front doors or piped into your living rooms.

I end up skipping many of the articles I see so I’m not sucked in. Using this method is no guarantee however that you’ll be successful too. Just when you think you’re home safe in the sports section, you better think again. While checking the score of your favorite team you will probably only find that your star player was arrested again, this time with a truck load of steroids. (Of course this has nothing to do with the game, but who cares? You needed to know about it, right?)

It’s like rubbernecking at the scene of an accident. We as a society plainly have a morbid sense of curiosity that is insatiable. The media (being the responsible people that they are) are only too happy giving us exactly what we want.

So do you feel yourself being consumed by the world? I always cringe when I see the talking heads exploit some weakness in our nation’s defenses. Gee, I think, I hope the terrorists aren’t watching that. It might be laughable if it weren’t so serious.

I’m not saying that all news is bad, but honestly, when was the last time you remember hearing something good? Maneuvering through those pitfalls and finding answers can be a daunting task. Ask yourself, what is important for me to know and what isn’t? What is God telling you through prayer and scripture?

Seek out the Good News of the Lord!

Psalm 92:1-2 tells us; “[s]ing to the Lord a new song! Sing to the Lord, all the earth. Sing to the Lord, bless His Name; Proclaim the good news of salvation from day to day” (NKJV).

Just as you watch the things you put into your bodies, watch the things you put into your minds. Don’t let mass media stain your heart and desensitize your feelings. Our moral compass should be the Lord God and His Son Jesus Christ. Not reporters.

Be a Living Sacrifice

Romans 12:1-2 states; “[p]resent your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is good and acceptable and perfect will of God” (NKJV).

What does this mean? Use your bodies to serve and obey God. If we allow ourselves to be consumed and shaped by the world and all its concerns, then we also allow ourselves to become its hostage. Only when we give ourselves over to the Lord are we able to resist temptations and be transformed by His Spirit. Today let the Holy Spirit guide and shape your thoughts and feelings.

Guard Against Sinister Influences

Guard against the leaven of our enemies. Leaven can symbolize evil or outside forces and influence. Just a little can infect the whole batch. (Gal. 5:7-9) “You ran well. Who hindered you from obeying the truth? This persuasion does not come from Him who calls you. A little leaven leavens the whole the lump” (NKJV).

Sow the Good News

What we take into ourselves we often sow back out. Will you make it the good seed or the tares which are poisonous? Don’t be like the adversary who in the end will be weeded out, bound, and cast into the fire (Matt. 13:24-30). Be the sower who goes out and sows good seeds that are prosperous. Be a producer of Heavenly growth in all that you say and do.

Dear Heavenly Father, You are the source of all love and hope, rich in mercy and full of compassion. Awaken our hearts and unite us in the teachings of your Son. Strengthen our faith in these times of challenge and darkness. Lord, when we become entangled in the cares of the world remind us that Your grace is sufficient in our weakness. Let us remain steadfast in every good work, that we be the sowers of good seeds through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Robert Stroud

“The Prodigal Son”

January 22, 2016