From today's reading: Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Phil. 4:8
Last night I heard someone challenge us to go 3 months without listening to or watching the news. I understand where they are coming from, but I also realized that there are some things we need to be aware of. A number of years ago, when the kids were small, we had gone camping and were determined not to let the world impinge on our family time together. As we were rafting down the Guadalupe River, we pulled in at a food store to get drinks and found out that there was a hurricane bearing down on the Gulf Coast. We just barely had time to break camp, get home and board up the house before it hit.
There is so much negative in the news these days. But today's scripture is an admonition to not dwell on all the negative reports that we hear in the news, or even the negative things that happen in our lives. Instead we should dwell on those things that are positive and uplifting. The negative can eat away at our very soul, dragging us down and holding us captive. It can lead to depression and feelings of defeat. But if we can look at the positive aspects of life and what is happening around us, it makes a difference in how our day goes and even our outlook on life itself. We can either be the person who brings everyone down, or we can be the person who lifts everyone up and affirms the goodness in life.
I offer the following for use with prayer beads or as a meditation verse.
Psalm 80:18 Restore us, O LORD God of hosts; *
show the light of your countenance, and we shall be saved.
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