Hi ,
I don't
watch the news any more. In fact, I haven't for years. I don't need a steady diet of negative stuff ~ news that is positive isn't news at all any more. With so many 24/7 news outlets all vying for our attention, they all have to promote sensationalism to keep viewers. Anyway, there's too much to be positive about. The Bible teaches us to be thankful in all things, even when things are hard and don't go our way. There are SO many things to be thankful for. Being consciously and consistently
thankful actually increases your joy and peace!
On our African wildlife safari this year, there was a sign in the gift shop at one of our lodges that read: "Concentrate on the good, and the good gets better". We liked that. Keep being thankful, and you will see more and more things to be thankful for!
Conversely, if we aren't thankful, it can be like a slipping clutch in your mind. You will burn out and go nowhere! If we start being unthankful, it can have disastrous consequences since it can be the start of a downward spiral. Just read Romans 1:21-32! I illustrated it here. This is from my session on ancient civilizations. Notice that the person (or
persons) referred to here starts by "knowing God". As people slip away from Him, notice what the very first step is! -- refusing to be thankful!
I’m so glad that in this country we have set aside a day of the year for specific thanksgiving, and the original intent was to be thanksgiving to God for His abundant provision!
Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!