This generation has grown accustomed to the 24-hour news cycle. Our eyes, ears, minds, and emotions are bombarded by the constant flow of headlines and pictures. We know more detail and digest more information than any people who have ever lived. Yet our souls are starving. Hopelessness and despair are at an all time high.

Is it possible we are getting too much news?

When our oldest daughter Morgan was very young I flipped on the news channel one evening, only to hear her say sarcastically, “And now for more of America’s problems…” Never were truer words spoken.

This does not mean that we should not seek to be informed about what is going on in the world around us. It does mean that we must guard our spirits. The only way to guard your inner man is to guard the gates that lead to that castle! What goes in our eye gate and ear gate either fortifies the soul or gives room for the enemy.

1. Do not begin your day with the news. Each day should begin with God. This world must be viewed through the lens of His Word. All eyes on Jesus early! Refuse to reach first for your phone in the morning and instead choose to reach for your Bible. Speak to the Lord before you allow others to speak into your life.
2. Do not saturate your whole day with news. Talk radio and the variety of news programing on television and online have now turned news into entertainment. This is a poor choice for a healthy distraction. It saps strength. Determine to fill your thoughts with things that build up your faith and encourage your heart.
3. Do not end your day with news. Horrible images and heart rending reports are not a good way to conclude a day. Go to bed with thanksgiving. Meditate on a verse of Scripture. Think on the goodness of the Lord. Commit even your subconscious thoughts to the God who never sleeps. Ask Him to “keep your heart and mind through Christ Jesus.”

I am not suggesting that we should stick our head in the sand and ignore needs around us. Rather, I am convinced we must see those needs from God’s perspective. We must address them in faith and not fear.

Our society has too much news and not enough solutions. The true answer is found in the unchanging good news of Christ. There is surely not enough of that!