“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” - Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV).
Waking up to bad news has become a constant feature of our lives in the pandemic era. On one day one hears of rising deaths in the distant parts arising out of the virus. Then closer home graphic images of filled up mortuaries are shared widely. The message is run for cover.
There is a saying that bad news sells. What is interesting is that rarely does one get good news of those who have recovered, who are definitely in the majority. As of June 24, 2021, there were around 180 million global cases of COVID-19. Around 165 million people had recovered from the disease. There are many deaths, and of concern, but the recovery rates are far higher than news of gloom. Of these global cases just about 3 million have ended up as fatalities.
And, then, all around us there are stories of dedicated health workers working with scarce equipment to bring healing to the sick. But these stories are far few and sparse. For some reason, there are those who prefer spreading bad news that stalk fear. Well, bad news, after all, sell.
Yet, unfortunately bad news can also cause depression. A constant dose of bad news does not bring cheer to the soul. It can be discouraging at the most. Proverbs 17:22 points out, “A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.”
One way to overcome bad news is by countering it with the word of God. In the midst of bad news we have some refreshing and soothing words of hope to cling to. 1 Peter 5:7 reminds us, Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. Then Psalm 147:3 adds, “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.”
May the word of God continue to encourage us all.
Prayer for today: Lord Father in heaven, today I pray that where I encounter bad news I draw upon your rich word to give me comfort and hope, because of the faith in your son, Lord Jesus!
