​Think on Good Things

November 1 2023

I am disturbed by all the negative news reports I see on television every time I turn it on. From people being shot, robbed, hijacked, kidnapped, raped, assaulted, or exploited by those who prey on others. Teachers are fighting students, politicians are allegedly taking bribes and national politics have become a farce. There are wars and rumors of wars.

There is a lot going on in our country and the world at large. I used to watch the local and national news for hours each day to keep up with regional and global events. I realized I was spending way too much time hearing the same old negative information being repeated continuously. Different television stations might put a different spin on it, but it is still the same negative news.

Here’s a truth. Whatever you allow into your ear gate will eventually affect how you behave, feel, and think. It may take time for it to show up, but eventually it will. One day you will realize you are not the same you. And you won’t like who you’ve become.

Recently, as I was watching the evening news, I observed how the reporter played on the emotions of the audience. The majority of what was being reported was true, however, it was her delivery that caused me to pause. It was so intense and sensational that it could cause one to experience anxiety, distress, hopelessness, and possibly depression. I knew it wasn’t good for me and in that moment, I decided to reduce my intake of things that were negative. That includes being around negative people.

Paul said in Philippians 4:8 to program your minds with thoughts that are true, honest, just, pure, lovely and of a good report. What we put into our minds determines what we say and do. Impure thoughts come from impure input. The daily news broadcast is not the only negative source. It can be from television, radio, books, movies, people, and magazines.

We need to replace harmful input with wholesome material. Above all, read God’s Word and pray. If we read and meditate on God’s Word day and night, it will help us maintain a positive outlook on life. It will also provide a protective shield around our mind.

The most positive source in the world is the Bible. God’s love from beginning to end is on full display. He will keep us in perfect peace if our mind remains fixed on Him. Remember to read His Word and let it dwell richly in you. Hide it in your heart and allow it to counteract all the negative things we see and hear in this unstable and unpredictable world.

Think on the good things found in His Word!