On the TV, internet, newspaper–no matter where you turn, bad news keeps popping up. But for every piece of bad news, there’s also some good news waiting in line. Having trouble finding it? Check out these nuggets of good news each time you’re tempted to become discouraged:
1. The Bad News
The economic crisis and seems out of control. The government is always threatening to shut down, and the debt is out of sight.
The Good News
And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work (2 Corinthians 9:8, NIV). And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19, NIV). The good news is that God is your source, not your job or the government. The One who provides for you doesn’t default on His promises.
2. The Bad News
Riots, violence, and the lack of peace are everywhere.
The Good News
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid (John 14:27, NIV). The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me? (Hebrews 13:6, NIV). Violence erupted in the first family God created, and it won’t stop until Jesus returns. But the good news is His inner peace gives us comfort in the midst of the bad news.
3. The Bad News
Drought conditions are worsening (Where I live in Texas is dry along with record-breaking heat). And worldwide famines are increasing.
The Good News
Whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life (John 4:14, NIV). As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God (Psalm 42:1-2, NIV). The good news is that one who is truly thirsty for God will find lasting refreshment. He is the Living Water, and the only One who can quench the real thirst of our souls.
4. The Bad News
The war on terrorism never ends.
The Good News
I have told you this, so that you might have peace in your hearts because of me. While you are in the world, you will have to suffer. But cheer up! I have defeated the world (John 16:33, CEV). My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand (John 10:27-28, NIV). The good news is that no matter what happens to us, or what is going on in our world, Jesus has already won the battle for us. Our enemies may force us from our homes, but no one can snatch us out of our Father’s hands.
It all comes down to one thing: Jesus is still the only lasting good news. And His Word is filled with nuggets of lasting encouragement. Have you checked them out lately?
What about you? Are you finding any nuggets of good news hidden in the bad news around you?
