Philippians 4:8-9
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
It has been hard not to watch the news lately. What is the latest update on the virus? Are there any new treatments being tested? How is the stock market fairing today? Of course, so much of what we have heard the past several weeks has been bad news. A portion of it has even been what some call “fake news” or just news reported by people who don’t seem to really know what they are talking about. During times of national or international turmoil, it’s easy to become addicted to news, to be driven by an irrational fear that you might miss out on hearing the latest and that not knowing might somehow impact your life. Which really is irrational, right?
Sometimes, we need to turn off the news. We need to stop letting all the scary information and negative ideas into our hearts. Sometimes, we need to think about good things. I believe God wants us to take far more good into our hearts than bad. The Spirit calls us to fill our minds with what is true, noble, right, pure, lovely and admirable. There are excellent and praiseworthy things in this world. You might not see them on the news very often, but if you look for them, you can still find good, wholesome, virtuous ideas and influences. The beauty of God’s creation, for instance. And the truth of God’s word. And the inspiring sound of worshipful music. And the laughter of loved ones. And the taste of fresh strawberries or sweet honey.
Our world has so much darkness and pain, but we also know about the light. We have the light of God’s goodness inside us, and it radiates out of those who seek to share Jesus’ love and message with the world. So, let’s spend more time in the light with the good things of God.
God of Peace, show me Your goodness today. Help me to focus my mind on truth and beauty, and teach my heart to long for what is excellent and praiseworthy. Use me to spread good in Your world, through Jesus my Savior, in whose name I pray. Amen.
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Pastor Mike Mirakian
