Joy to the World

Blessed are you who hunger now, for you will be satisfied. Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh.

– Luke 6:21

There’s an old saying in the news business: If it leads, it bleeds. Surf the web, turn on the TV or read a newspaper, and you’re bound to come across headline after headline about contested presidential elections, never-ending pandemics and degenerate human behavior. The fact is that the media thrives off of bad news and hyping the worst possible scenarios for maximum effect. After all, good news rarely drives ratings or sells magazines.

With bad news and scary headlines in such plentiful supply these days, how about counting our blessings and taking a much-needed break? For one week, make the effort to

avoid TV — particularly news broadcasts or shows with a political bent. Keep away from similar content on the web. And don’t bother with newspapers or magazines. (Even many of the so-called entertainment magazines have fully embraced politics.)

At the end of those quiet seven days, maybe you won’t feel quite as informed as you would have had you stayed glued to the evening newscast or a favorite website. But odds are you’ll experience much less stress and enjoy a more positive outlook on life.

That’s some sound advice for ditching the bad news. But what about finding some good news for a change?

As Christ-followers, the Good News about Jesus is what gives us hope and a much clearer perspective for tomorrow. And as we read in the Bible about the incredible promises God has kept over the centuries, our anticipation only grows as we ponder the amazing future that awaits. Until then, our life-journey will have its peaks and valleys. But we’ll find real hope in our darkest hours. What’s more, we’ll also experience joy, which springs from within through our relationship with God.

"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace," said Jesus to his disciples. "In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."

Are you going through some tough times these days? Good News and the blessings that accompany it are closer than you think!