Great post Heidi, thank you.
Ralph, I'll add something to think about.
Finally brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.” ~ Philippians 4:8
In John 14 where Jesus is comforting his deciples, his final words are very telling and just as applicable for us today.
30 I will not say much more to you, for the prince of this world is coming. He has no hold over me, 31 but he comes so that the world may learn that I love the Father and do exactly what my Father has commanded me.
Thank God, I'm finally putting this into practice. For every bad news that threatens my state of peace, I immediately counteract it with something good and positive.
The Prince of this world, has the power to instill fear and deceive us in ways that can overwhelm us if we let him. By focusing only on the bad that assaults us at every turn, we can easily succumb to the fear and dread that comes from such thinking. This is the reason, Jesus tells us earlier in verse 26 - 27
26 But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have saidyou. 27 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.
Jesus knew we would find no peace in this world, and he wanted us to know he was not leaving us alone to fend for ourselves against such powerful forces that would surely overtake and overwhelm us. There were provisions made for us to have help every step of the way, by resting in the peace he was availing to us, if we only believe and accept it. It took me the better half of my life to avail myself of these loving provisions, and there was alot of suffering in the process that cannot easily be forgotten. The lesson of learning humility is by far the hardest any of us must learn.