Look for the Good News

It’s easy to see the bad news.  It’s everywhere, especially in the national and international news.  Today, for just a moment, I was overwhelmed by bad news.

There had been some bad news throughout the week that touched people and entities close to me.  Then I heard that there was a police standoff about a block from an elementary school where I work with kids one afternoon a week.  I don’t know if it was related, but there was also an attempted abduction of a 3-year-old reported earlier in the day in the same area.  I was burdened for the families I help minister to on a regular basis and stopped to pray for the neighborhood in this quiet, “safe” suburb and the city itself.

But then…my spirit rejoiced.  I remembered that there is also good news every day if I will look for it.  Miracles to be celebrated.  Joys to be shared.  Love to be given.  Sacrifices to be admired.

do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.  — Philippians 4:6-8 (ESV)

It is not a call to bury our heads in the sand, or to be ignorant of the unlovely things around us.  Our hearts are to be soft enough to grieve over sufferings and injustice…but that’s not where our hearts and minds are to dwell.  I’m thankful for the reminder not to get stuck there.

Look for the GOOD NEWS!

(And if you want some really good news, read John 3:16)