Think about things worth thinking about
I am sick of thinking about, reading about, talking about, and worrying about the coronavirus situation. How about you? It seems that most conversations I have had lately, sooner or later, are about the virus or some issue related to the virus. If you look at any news website, you need to scroll down a long way before you find some news that is not associated with the virus situation.
In the end, all of this obsessing about the virus issue leads to anxiety and depression and negativity of all kinds. I don’t think that I am being built up in any way by being able to tell you how many people died in Spain yesterday or the emergency measures being taken by the mayor of New York. I already know that the situation is bad. I don’t need to be constantly bombarded with more information that tears down and doesn’t build up.
This reminded me of the wonderful words at the end of Paul’s letter to the Philippians:
8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. (Phil. 4:8 ESV)
If you fill your mind only with news websites and social media at the moment, your thinking will tend towards anxiety and negativity. There are better things to think about. Limit your intake before it grips your mind and you can think of nothing else.
Stop, right now, and think about something pure, just, lovely or commendable. Take a walk and be reminded again of the wonder of birds and trees, insects and flowers, that God created just by speaking. Read a novel and enjoy the creative world made for you by the author. Paint a picture or listen to music. Read that Christian book you have had on the shelf for a while and never seem to get around to reading.
There is a lot of good in this world that God has made, even during this crisis. Consider the good things. Consider the reality of a God who loves you deeply. In the end, that will lead you towards contentment; reading the news all the time will lead you in the opposite direction.