Christian

Am I Watching Too Much News?

Cindy Dawson

I am in shock by what is happening in America. I can’t seem to stop watching the news even though I know it only steals my peace and joy. Lord, what should I do? Maybe it’s time to take a break from the news and pray for my country instead. It wasn’t that long ago when I almost never watched the news because it was so depressing. What has happened to me that I have turned into a news junkie? Does sticking my head in the sand really help anything?

Is this a distraction from the enemy? What does God’s Word say? These Scriptures come to mind:

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 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.” Philippians 4:6-8 NIV

We need to dwell on the good things in our lives. They are all around us!

For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. 4 The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. 5 We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 NIV

I don’t pretend to have all the answers, but I do believe we must avoid the pitfalls the devil puts in our path, whatever they may be.

“Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” 1 Peter 5:8 NIV

Is he trying to discourage us? Does he want us to take our eyes off Jesus?

“Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.” 1 Peter 5:9 NIV

Which reminds me, our brothers and sisters in Christ are facing harsh persecution in Nigeria, Myanmar, China, North Korea, and other places around the globe.

These are my thoughts. What do you think?

With Love, Cindy

Click this link to learn more about Jesus: Who Is Jesus?

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26 thoughts on “Am I Watching Too Much News?”

  1. This is such a good perspective to keep. I read something the other day along the lines that no matter the news … no matter the laws of a land … God is still in the business of forgiving sins, healing broken hearts, giving hope, guiding people … and doing all the things He alone can do. Thanks for the reminder.

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  3. Philippians 4:, 6-8 is generally the verse that guides what I will allow myself to focus on.
    However, as Christians , we need to have some knowledge on what is going on in the world, so that we will not be overwhelmed by all the troubling things that are happening.
    While I don’t watch the news, I read WordPress posts every morning, and so I have a general sense of what is going on , without getting bogged down in all the news’ negativity. ⚘🤗

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  4. Such a timely subject, Cindy! I go back and forth with wanting to be informed and aware, and tiring of the bad news. I certainly know that I need to limit my exposure to the news and I need to dwell on God’s Word and let His peace fill me. For me, it’s a matter of beginning each day in God’s Word and in prayer. I also let music fill much of my day instead of news. But I do read the news, and I listen to select programs from mostly Christian sources. I appreciate the verses you shared and the emphasis on not allowing our thoughts to go crazy in these days but to dwell on what God says is good. Have a great weekend and may you be blessed!

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  5. All credit to you Cindy for dealing with this common issue that we all face. The content of media we consume is something that we need to be cautious about, asking whether it passes the Philippians 4:8 test. But our enemy has a very subtle weapon in the amount of time we spend/waste in consuming media. Without much thought before we know it we are giving hours to stuff that keeps us away from God and His Word. I speak from personal experience having been down the rabbit holes of reading copious amounts of fiction, and spending days playing/studying chess. In the last year I have ditched these distractions and been blessed by God and His Word.

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  7. I watch the news sparingly Cindy, hoping that when I do watch it, I will see some resemblance of common sense rising to the surface, but glimmers of hope are far and few between. You’re not alone in your disbelief and neither one of the polar opposites appear to be weakening at all. If fact, if anything, the divisions appear to be strengthening in their opposition to one another. One doesn’t have to be a genius to know that this cannot continue indefinitely. Jesus told us that there would be tribulation and to focus on Him for our peace. In fact, Jesus told us that He had already overcome the world. So I remind myself of what I am able to do, with those that cross my path daily and not on what I am unable to change, in the turmoil around me. That, and the fact the Jesus already has this totally in hand and that nothing, absolutely nothing, can separate us for the love of God. There’s a big picture (all of what I see) and then there is a bigger picture (that which unfolds according to God’s will and plan) and it’s God’s plan that I trust in. Day by day as God grants us His grace, because when all is said and done, every hope I have is dependent on God’s grace, in the good times and in the bad times. Hope this helps. Blessings.

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  8. Limiting how much I watch but at the same time being aware of what is happening. We have to be self aware of how something we hear or read is affecting us. If I feel particularly low or just saddened by the news I allow myself a break filling myself with good things.

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  9. I tried NOT watching the news, but realized that sticking my head in the sand is leaving the rest of me vulnerable, and not helping me be [part of the solution. So I listen to as much news as I can stomach (from sources I trust, which are not the mainstream media) but not until I have committed myself – body, mind, and heart – to God and put on the spiritual armor for the day. Otherwise, I think the world, the flesh, and the devil would tear me to pieces.

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    1. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I truly appreciate hearing what my Blogger Friends think about this issue. I agree. We need to put on the full armor everyday. Blessings Annie!

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  10. Hey, Cindy! Great post and discussion! I watch/read US news enough to be informed or what I think is informed these days! World news/geopolitics fascinates me and so I spend more time reading and listening to what is happening elsewhere in the world. Love and blessings to you Cindy!!!!

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  11. I view the news in terms of the revelation of God. I had a college professor who advised us that we should know what is happening in our community for we are a part of; each day is history; we are a part of history. So, I want to acknowledge God in all things and ask Him for guidance in every aspect of my life – for I seek to discern truth as a wise woman from the One who is Truth.

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    1. Thank you for sharing your thoughts. It has been interesting to read what other Christians think about this issue. I agree we should ask God for guidance in every aspect of life. Blessings Sister!

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