When believers read the daily news, they view it through the filter of God’s purpose, plan, and Word.
They realize that God’s ways are higher than man’s ways, thus, they choose to view it from God’s perspective.
In Isaiah 55:8-9, God says, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.”
The following are Biblical directives that will not fail.
1. Ask yourself if the news story is of faith or fear.
In other words, are you going to grow stronger in faith by reading and believing the story or is it going to incite fear? Remember, ‘Whatever is not of faith is sin’ - Romans 14:23.
2. Realize that God is going to win no matter what.
God cannot fail. You cannot fail if you keep your eyes on Him. Remember, 2 Corinthians 2:14, which says, “But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumph in Christ.”
You are more than a conqueror because of Christ’s presence in you. - Romans 8:37
3. Is it true or just someone’s opinion?
Notice that making the determination whether it is true is third and not first. Why? Because even if it’s true and it incites fear, then, it will incite you to sin.
Also, as a believer who chooses to stay strong in the faith, if you don’t realize God’s providence over any and every situation, then you are failing to recognize God for who he is.
Even negative things that happen are turned into good for those who love God. Remember, Romans 8:28, which states, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.”
4. Is it worth repeating?
Remember that this idea is clearly expressed in Matthew 12:36-37, where Jesus says: “I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak, for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.” Seek wisdom in what you read and especially in what you say.
5. Focus on the good.
If we shine the light bright enough, it will dispel all darkness. One of the key verses on this is found in John 1:5, which says, “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” This refers to Jesus as the light of the world, bringing salvation and truth, and how the darkness (symbolizing sin, evil, and spiritual blindness) cannot overpower or extinguish that light. Likewise, from Philippians 4:8, the Apostle Paul encourages believers to focus their minds on virtuous and positive things.
The full verse says: “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.”
6. Avoid nonsense.
Remember, 2 Timothy 2:23, which says, “Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels.” Similarly, Titus 3:9 advises, “But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless.”
Remember these verses:
Proverbs 18:6, says, “A fool’s lips bring strife, and his mouth invites a beating.
Proverbs 20:3 says, “It is to one’s honor to avoid strife, but every fool is quick to quarrel.” (Don’t be a fool and give no time to foolishness.)
7. Last but certainly not least, pray for what you want to see happen in the situation that you are reading about.
Philippians 4:6, says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”
Once you’ve prayed, stay in faith believing for what you’ve prayed to come to pass.
Michael Murphy is a Sherman, Texas native and a retired minister. He now lives in Zhengzhou, China where he teaches English.