In Search of Good Medicine


IN SEARCH OF GOOD MEDICINE

By:  Julie Souza Bradley Lilly

Scientists and researchers around the world are scrambling to create a vaccine, and to find medications that can effectively treat the COVID-19 virus.  I am not telling you anything new.  Unless you have been living under a rock, you likely know all about it.  Awareness is a good thing.  It can help us to focus our prayers and to respond with wisdom and compassion.  But there is a difference between being aware and marinating ourselves in the negativity. 

When we are young we learn to turn off scary movies that give us nightmares.  As adults we can see that too much negativity makes us anxious and evaporates our joy.  Like food, what we take in with our senses either hurts or heals us. 

We may think information goes in one ear and out the other, but the truth is that what goes in changes us. We are wise to be selective in what we pay attention to. Because we might gain copious amounts of information, but it can come at the extreme cost of our peace. Scripture tells us what to concentrate on:

“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” – Philippians‬ ‭4:8‬ ‭NIV‬‬

BECAUSE:

“A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.” – Proverbs‬ ‭17:22‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Rapt attention to the news does not ensure our safety.  On the contrary, the negativity make us more vulnerable to illness, because it weakens our ability to fight off disease.

Are you anxious, beloved?  No amount of news can bring the peace we search for in the headlines.  Peace is found in His presence.

“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.” – Isaiah‬ ‭26:3‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Father, teach us to take our thoughts captive and focus on our blessings.  Help us to turn down the news, turn up our worship and focus on Your faithfulness.  And may the peace and merry heart we find there be all the good medicine we need.  In Jesus’ Name ❤️

https://www.facebook.com/Prayers-of-a-Ragamuffin-Warrior-171515087035441/

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