Does it seem like every time you turn on the news or scroll through social media that it’s flooded with disturbing and upsetting news— a bad report? Am I the only one that is left with that impression? This “bad news” trend isn’t a new phenomenon derived from COVID-19 as I’m sure you’re well aware. The news media has always seemed to thrive on bringing us bad reports! But now it feels like there’s a heightened intensity. Maybe the bad report you’re faced with has nothing to do with the current crisis however. Maybe your child is struggling with addiction. Maybe you’re dealing with a devastating diagnosis. Or maybe you’re just trying to survive quarantine without losing your sanity! I have found for me personally, if I feed myself negative, disheartening news all throughout the day, depression and hopelessness are sure to take up residence within my mind. Can you relate?
If it’s a challenge to find a good report on the news or social media, maybe try turning that off for a bit and shift your focus intentionally to something that offers a good report. We are in a time of extreme challenge, no doubt about it. So when I feel overwhelmed with bad reports, I love reading this verse in scripture where the apostle Paul is encouraging a nation of people under horrific persecution for their faith; “So keep your thoughts continually fixed on all that is authentic and real, honorable and admirable, beautiful and respectful, pure and holy, merciful and kind. And fasten your thoughts on every glorious work of God, praising him always. Follow the example of all that we have imparted to you and the God of peace will be with you in all things.” (Phil 4:8-9 TPT). Wherever you are in your belief about God or the Bible, I hope you can find some encouragement in this passage. If we start at the end and work backward to the beginning, it’s clear that in order to have peace in our minds, what we think about is so very important and relevant to our well-being. I love that phrase “fasten your thoughts”! When you hear the word “fasten” what comes to mind? Attach. Fix. Secure. Hook. Chain. Attach your mind to the beautiful. Fix your meditations on the pure. Secure your thoughts on the admirable. Hook your attentiveness to all that is authentic. Chain your attention to all that is kind and merciful! Think about what you think about!
We’re not the first generation to experience trials of epic proportions. I don’t know about you, but remembering those generations that have gone before and endured hardships, encourages and helps me to hold on. Being aware that we’re not the first to experience great adversity, can foster within each of us a strength that will inspire hope if we allow it. And hope can alter our perspective and can stir up a desire within us that seeks the good reports! Turn the dial, change the station!
I have loved seeing moments of encouragement through the efforts of some in the media industry, some celebrities and everyday people that are striving to thank our hero’s on the front lines and encourage us all! And a big THANK YOU to each one who puts themselves out there to help humanity! We need to hear more of those good reports! So seek those moments and treasure them in your thoughts so when the bad report comes, you can intentionally recall the good report and hopefully find balance in your thoughts.
If you have a good report, please let me know in the comments! With your permission, I’d love to share your good report to encourage others on my blog! Just type, “Permission to use” with your comment! If you do not want me to share, just type, “Do not share”. Thank you in advance for sharing your story!
I would love to hear from you, so leave me a comment if this article has encouraged you to seek A Good Report! Or you can just “like” this blog! I’d also love for you to follow my blog! You will get an email the moment it is published so there’s no need to wait to see it by chance on social media! Thank you in advance!
Moments To Treasure 