Inspiration:
Always look to My light first to clarify what is happening around you. With My brightness, you will see things as they really are and will avoid being misled. Don’t try to interpret things without casting My light on the situation!
~In the Presence of Jesus by Paul Bane and Matt Litton
Scripture:
The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are healthy, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eyes are unhealthy, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness!
~Matthew 6:22-23
We all need to take the time to evaluate and analyze what is healthy and unhealthy for us in our lives. Then, we can make the changes to free us from unnecessary suffering and facilitate healing for ourselves and others. Jesus encourages us to realize our eyes are like the lamp of the body. And if our eyes are healthy, our whole body and soul will be full of light. In other words, what we choose to direct our vision toward really matters. (The Wonder of it All)
While it is important to be informed, it is also vital that we understand how fear and anger are the primary emotions the news and social media use to keep us watching and scrolling! When you find yourself upset or agitated, fearful or angry, it is important to realize that media creators have accomplished their goal of getting you emotionally involved, which helps them sell advertising dollars. Of course, life in the 2020’s are teaching us all the side effects of consuming media – the feelings of hopelessness, isolation and even stirring up friction between family and friends.
Most of the media we consume points to things that are out of our control today. Think about what is in front of you this very day. How does the latest story really impact what is important to you and your family in the next few hours? These are important questions to consider! When we are honest, we recognize the damage our emotions, such as fear, anger, and sadness can do to us. Then, being aware of their impact on us, we can learn to release and let go of them, allowing our minds to cultivate and understand those feelings in the light of God’s underlying insight and love.
Our healing begins when we can meditate and contemplate our thoughts to discern whether they are genuinely helpful or hurtful. It’s also important to tell yourself it is alright to feel what you feel but try not to let your feelings manipulate you. You are loved, forgiven, and deeply valued by the Creator of all things. So, no matter what is going on in the world of your television or phone screens, remember that you can make the world a better place right there in your neighborhood amid your busy schedule this very day – with even the smallest act of kindness – never lose sight of that! And the next time media stirs up fear, anger, hopelessness, or anxiety in you, recognize it, smile, and simply choose not to participate.
Co-writer Matt Litton
