Remedy for frustration and discouragement

Has anyone else noticed that people seem to be meaner towards each other than they used to be? Sarcastic barbs, name calling, quick judgments that fit into neat "sound bytes" have become the norm, and not just in the entertainment news. Politics, the "blog world," are filled with people's opinions that are too often unkind and inflammatory.

Mama Bev, are you mounting your own "negative tirade?" That is not my intent, I assure you. I was thinking about this subject today, as I received yet another letter from a "Christian leader," decrying the potential loss of freedoms in America and how we Christians must take a stand and strongly oppose, etc. I cried to the Lord, "How long, Lord. . ." I could sense discouragement rising in my soul; I knew that, left to myself, anger would soon follow, with bitterness and cynicism not far off. "Lord, what's the answer for this? What do I do and think?"

Finally. . .whatever is true (honest, upright, sincere)

whatever is noble (dignified, qualities which do not repel, but invite, attract)

whatever is right (following God's rules and ways)

whatever is pure (free of deceit, not suggestive)

whatever is lovely

whatever is admirable

if anything is excellent or praiseworthy (of high moral quality)

think about such things (concentrate on, give careful attention to)

Whatever you have learned

or received

or heard from me

or seen in me

put it into practice

And the God of peace will be with you.

(Philippians 4:8-9 NIV)

If this passage is familiar to you, it's probably in the context of "don't watch horrible movies; don't gossip about people; don't flirt, and such" and it certainly does apply.

However, without sticking my head in the sand, how much "brain power" is spiritually healthy and necessary to expend on the seemingly endless negativity encountered on the news (especially), talk radio, even on the internet? What's the answer? Where's the balance?

Paul encountered "negative press" while in prison writing to the Philippian church. He heard reported that "some were preaching Christ out of envy and rivalry. . .out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains. . ." (1:15-17 NIV) And Paul's response:

"What does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice. . ." (1:18 NIV)

Paul was in prison; what people were saying or doing outside the prison walls were beyond Paul's control. He left the results to his God, and chose to rejoice in what was true, noble, etc.

The following are a few things that are "true":

It's foolish to expect those who are not God-followers to have the same moral and ethical standards as those who do;

God is sovereign; He knows what is being said and done; He is not unaware or surprised by anything happening. All injustice will be rectified in the end.

So, to "put into practice" Paul's example, I should remember that God makes me aware of incidents so that I can be faithful to pray, not so I can get irate and frustrated that the world is not working "my way;"

I can choose to rejoice in anything God-honoring that I see (even if it means I have to look carefully);

I can continue to absorb God's Word, so that when the temptation to be frustrated and discouraged arises, the Holy Spirit can bring to mind the truth.

I feel more relaxed already!