...None.
Allow me to explain: You see, I don’t really watch or read the news—at least not in the conventional way.
I took a lot of time and thought about this question all day, but the truth is, I can’t recall a recent headline that brought me genuine happiness. Most of the news these days features chaos no matter what country is broadcasting. I’m aware of what’s happening in the world and I do my best to help where I can with the resources I have, but the overwhelming amount of global despair and suffering can be hard to process. It’s impossible to ignore, yet there’s only so much I can do…a lot of times I feel so helpless, and my heart hurts deeply because of it.
So, I choose peace where I can. Constantly consuming the news only adds to life’s stress and I’ve realized that dwelling on the problems of the world won’t change them; just like dwelling on the issues of my own little world. Instead, I pray to my Father in heaven. When I hear about tragedies, injustices, or uncertainty, I bring them before God and trust Him to handle what I cannot. He is always in control, no matter what it looks like. I once heard someone say that worry and fear means having faith in the devil. That statement changed the way I viewed worrying—because if I truly trust God, why should I allow fear to rule my heart?
Jesus Himself told us not to worry about tomorrow because today has enough troubles of its own (Matthew 6:34):
“Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.”
Worrying doesn’t solve anything; it only magnifies anxiety and distracts from the things I actually can control. So instead of focusing on the brokenness of the world, I focus on renewing my mind (Romans 12:2):
“And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”
8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
9 Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.” -Philippians 4:8-9
I focus on God and the good He is doing on this earth despite what man is doing. I also concentrate on growing in faith and becoming the best version of myself—because that is where I do have control. And honestly, working on my own plank is a full-time job in itself; the job of a lifetime!
Rather than letting the news consume me, I anchor myself in God’s promises. He tells us to cast our anxieties on Him because He cares for us (1 Peter 5:7). He will guide you through this thing called life in the valley. He reminds us that He gives a peace that surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:6-7). He assures us that no matter what happens in the world, He is still in control (John 16:33). If you forget anything else about what was written here today, please keep that last part deep in your heart.
I don’t ignore reality—I simply choose to filter it through faith rather than fear. I look to my God, The Savior, The King, The Ultimate Judge of us all!
Goodnight!
I pray many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many blessing over you!
xo
Rosalyn Rose