Instead of stressing out about the future, deal with today’s challenges

 

Four Quick Thoughts About Handling Media Fear Tactics

There are people and organizations who have significant communication platforms. For example, large news organization or well-known media personalities. It is helpful to keep in mind that sometimes the people and organizations who reach vast numbers of people maintain their large audience—at least in part—by sensationalism and capitalizing on our fears.

Here are a few simple thoughts…

1. Headlines and other promotional teases are frequently exaggerated and in many cases they are tested and designed to draw us in even if the truth has to be stretched. Really stretched.

2. We are going to read, watch, listen and click, of course, but be discerning. Virtually every information source has a bias of some kind. (If you’re thinking, “Oh yeah, well you’re biased too Dan.” You’re right. I am biased. But at least I’m admitting it.)

3. Be skeptical of fear tactics based on predictions about the future. Most aspects of the future are notoriously difficult to know in advance. (I hope you notice a bit of playful tongue-in-cheek attitude involved in that last sentence.)

4. It is not God’s intention for us to live in fear. He desires that we trust Him.

Here are some good, helpful and encouraging truths…

“For God has not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” 2 Timothy 1:7

"So don't worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today's trouble is enough for today.” [ Jesus ] Matthew 6:34

Don't Worry About Tomorrow

“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” [Jesus] Matthew 6:34.  The issues, challenges, tasks, problems, and questions that face us today are plenty.  We don’t need to deal with tomorrow.  God is with us today.  He will help us today.  And when tomorrow arrives, He will be with us, then, too.

Podcast for March 13, 2012

I talk with Vic about strange weather and living in the moment.

              Click here for all the fun!

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Today Is Enough...Just Deal With Today

When we look at the enormity of some of the issues in our lives we can easily feel overwhelmed and give up because it seems impossible to handle.  There is great wisdom in the phrase: “One day at a time.” In other words, just deal with what can be done today. “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Matthew 6:34

Be Engaged In The Present

Great wisdom traditions encourage us to be engaged in the present.  The past is gone and the future has not, yet, arrived.  The present is the only place we can truly live and, as Jesus says, the present is “enough”.  “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” [Jesus]  Matthew 6:34.

Today, Tomorrow, Yesterday, And Worry....What?

“Today is the tomorrow that we worried about yesterday…” [James Bryan Smith]  And did you notice that worrying about today, yesterday, accomplished nothing productive? Yep!  That’s why Jesus said this: “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Matt.6:34.  Then what should we do? Jesus’ answer: Seek God’s kingdom.