Recently, I intentionally started watching less news. This is difficult for someone who has been a lifelong newshound since my 6th grade teacher Mrs. Williams encouraged our class to make an effort to read the newspaper daily to keep abreast of current events. But, news is different nowadays than it used to be when I enrolled in journalism classes at what was then East Texas State University. Radio and television broadcasting has been transformed by streaming, 24/7 programming, and podcasting since the last time I hosted a TV show or spun records on the radio.
Back in my day, we thought MTV and CDs were revolutionary. Change is a constant that sweeps through every facet of our lives. Heck, even my view of God has changed since those wild and crazy days of my youth. But, I digress.
When consuming the news, I have discovered, less is more.
Since not drowning in the news, especially the TV news, I feel better. My blood pressure seems lower. My attitude and outlook on life are better—-more optimistic, less dark and hopeless. Occasionally, I am perusing the local paper while I’m out here in the piney woods tending to Mom after her hip surgery. I’m not doing this everyday. Just mainly on Sundays. And only to catch up on the local headlines. Crazy, right!?!
Over the years, living has taught me to remove the toxins infecting my life. Toxins tend to come in two forms: habits and people. Our habits and other people can hurt us or cause us great damage. Before recovery, I had become a toxin to those who dared to love me. Heck, I had become a toxin to myself. But, by the grace of God, I have been healed and redeemed. So, I know firsthand how important it is for us to be mindful of what and who we allow in our lives.
For me, the daily dose of news I found myself consuming had become toxic. I had to unplug, change the channel, and turn the page. Not hearing all that vitriolic noise is making a big difference in my daily life. And guess what—-the world didn’t quit spinning.
Reflection Questions:
1. How much news are you consuming every day?
2. What toxins are strangling your life that you need to exorcise from your daily living?
3. When will you take action to change the things you need to change and are able to muster the courage to change?
Prayer:
Father God, as You do every day, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference. Let Your Word be a guiding lamp to my feet. I am grateful that in a world of constant change, You remain the same. Thank You, Lord, for delivering me from addictions. Thank You for Your daily grace and new mercy each morning. Help me be a dash of salt and a beacon of light in the lives of others. Help me be the encouragement others need. For the praise of Your glory. In Jesus’ name, by the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Blessings,
The Devotional Guy™
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The Devotional Guy™ 
I bet this would do a lot of us good. Also, the statement “toxins generally come in the form of habits or people” is lowkey profound. Great devo!
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I appreciate your kind words and that this devo resonated with you, Lily. You know me, “Mr. Lowkey.” 😂
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I like this post format. Whatever “this” is, I want more of it. I know, I’m just one fan, but there it is.
Toxic people and things, I follow you. For me, time has become toxic—at different points in my life. Cramming more and more into an already busy schedule leaves little time for contemplating one’s existence. Sometimes I have to tell myself, “Time with God and my family first—THEN everything else.” Blessings.
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Thanks, David. I’m happy to hear this post format appeals to you. That’s helpful feedback. I’d be curious to know what specifically resonates with you about it.
Blogging is a continuous learning process (at least for me), so I’m always interested in what works and in improving my blog.
Yes, our busyness is a symptom of what can be, I think (I’m no licensed psychologist), a highly toxic habit. Scripture mentions the value of being still quite often. Busyness would be the extreme opposite of stillness. I know when I get to be too busy different aspects of my spiritual life and key relationships suffer. But, hey that’s a whole post in itself. 😃
I appreciate your feedback and I am glad you took the time to read my post. Blessings.
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This was definitely a good move. I once downloaded the news app on my phone and realized that not only did I not sleep well at nights, but I was heavy all the time. Removing the app – huge difference.
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Thanks for sharing your experience, Dee. Yes, I had a similar problem with my news app, too. There’s something to be said for choosing to seek out a news story versus getting an alert prompting us to click on the latest headline. I appreciate you taking time to read my post and sharing your comments. Blessings.
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Completely agree!
My pleasure. ABBA’s blessings to you always. 🙏🏽
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Amen. Thank you!
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This post resonates with me because it tackles a topic (from a biblical perspective) many are dealing with at this time. I also like it because it is not too long, and you share a personal example from your life. Thirdly, you included great focus questions and scripture verses. Blessings.
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Thank you for this, David!
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