Suffering from ‘Bad News’ Overload

The below originally featured in the War Cry in September this year and is still just as pertinent today as I’m sure many of us are suffering from ‘Bad News’ overload.

‘Bad News’ is something that we are bombarded with constantly online, on television, in the newspapers and even at ‘our local’ we often hear what is not going so well with such and such or with someone down the road.

We live in a culture of digital globalisation, where we are more connected to people and events from around the world than ever before. This can however, be a double-edged sword: we have access to the best parts of humanity, but we are often unable to avoid the doom-filled news found across the internet.

Whether it’s local or international updates about the pandemic, news stories about the Ukraine conflict, or discussions about violence and discrimination on our own doorstep, etc.

We can often feel like we’re flooded with bad news.

While it is helpful to be informed to be informed about what is happening in the world, it is also easy to become overwhelmed, and this can affect mental health.

‘Doom-scrolling’* has been shown to result in higher levels of anxiety and depression, disrupt healthy sleep patterns and even increase the risk of stress-related heart issues.

Here are some ways to balance the intake of information for your well-being.

• Limit your news time each day: Try not to grab your phone first thing in the morning for updates, but limit your news time to 20 minutes both in the morning and the evening, but not in the last 30 minutes before sleep.
• Gauge how you feel before checking the news: Check in with yourself. How do you feel? Do you feel calm and at peace, or panicked, angry and disheartened? Let this guide how much news you consume, if any.
• Obtain news in bite-sized chunks, like a podcast or newsletter: This helps control the amount of news you are receiving daily. Listen to your snippet of news while on a walk or during your commute, and then leave it there.
• Limit other stressors: If you have a friend or family member who posts a lot about current events on social media, or who always wants to have discussions about controversial topics, set some boundaries with them to protect your own well-being.
• Do something healthy afterwards: Go for a walk or get a coffee with a friend. Move your body. Spend time in nature. Make something. Try to balance out the bad feelings with something good.
• Seek out positive stories: Try to include hopeful and uplifting stories in your feed, and work to be informed on the things that are going well in the world. Watch some dog videos or whatever makes you laugh.

* The term ‘doom-scrolling’ is used when people are unable to stop themselves from checking news sites or feeds to find out about the latest strategies. This can come from our uncertainties and anxieties about what we’re seeing in the world and a desire for some sense of control. It can also come from a negativity bias, where we are drawn to negative information.

The War Cry magazine is devoted to sharing the love of God without discrimination and representing the Salvation Army’s mission of serving human need.

It has recently undergone some changes and is now being published monthly – check out the latest edition here.

The thing is we have the answer, we have the Good News! – God is at work in our communities, in our lives and the lives of those around us.

But how often do we share it? Are we open to be being used to impact the lives of others by sharing the good things that we see and hear around us?

Afterall Isaiah 52:7 says; “How wonderful it is to see someone coming over the hills to tell good news. How wonderful to hear him announce, “There is peace! We have been saved!” and to hear him say to Zion, “Your God is the king!””
(Easy-to-Read Version)

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3 Constant Truths for A Constantly Changing World

The following post originally featured on the Brentwood Baptist Church blog, who have multiple campuses across Tennessee in the US and was written by Sarah Caskey.

I have reposted it here as amongst all the change and upheaval that we are facing in our world today, it is extremely helpful to be reminded of assurance we have in God that; He never changes, what we experience in our lives doesn’t change His love for us, and change brings refinement and opportunities our way.

This is something that I am constantly aware of, as I’ve had to adjust multiple aspects of my life over the past few months and years as I come to grips with an autoimmune disease (Scleroderma) that has turned my world upside down just a tad.

There is an element within me that calls out in amongst all the other noise, reminding me to embrace the change that I am having to go through. Even though it may be hard, frustrating, upsetting and a struggle at times, my life continues to be an example and an inspiration to others that are journeying through life, facing similar challenges than I am. Many of which are searching for support and encouragement to continue fighting the battles that we are each faced with.

Thankfully, God is the strength that I have come to rely on and continues to astound me in ways that I could never have imagined 🙂

Sarah writes: Whether on a grand scale or just within the pieces of our own personal lives, we have all felt the effects of change. But even in the midst of isolation, grief, lack of control, or fear of the unknown, there are constants to cling to amidst our storms. So here are 3 constant truths for a constantly changing world.

1. Our God never changes.

God in His infinite wholeness and goodness continues to remain steadfast. This truth is difficult for us to process in a world where tensions run high and our circumstances seem to waver with the wind. Yet the Scriptures are full of the meditations of God’s people proclaiming His consistency amidst the world’s – and our own – lack thereof. James 1:17 (Christian Standard Bible) reminds us that He is “the Father of lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” Our God is sovereignly in control and remains with us while the world seems to spin wildly and uncertainly on. The immutability of God is a truth we can cling to when change is imminent.

2. The changes we experience do not change God’s love.

Because our God doesn’t change, His affections for His people don’t change, either. This means that our identity and security are eternally linked to the God who has provided salvation for us through Christ. Even though we continually find ourselves amidst chaotic and tumultuous circumstances, His love endures and continues to remain steadfast.

Isaiah 43:1 declares God’s heeding and promises to His people. Though life’s fires and floods approach, He reminds them, “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; you are mine.”

To “alter” is to enact a partial change that still preserves someone or something’s initial identity. We can rest in knowing that these experiences will serve to alter us more into the image of the Son.

We are being held in the hands of a God who never changes and who has secured our identities as His own, forever unchanged. God’s unchanging character extends unchanging love towards His people.

3. The change we experience brings refinement.

One synonym for the word “change” is “refinement.” The Word of God is full of references to Him as a refining fire. 1 Peter 1:7 writes that – in the midst of difficult, change-ridden circumstances “the genuineness of your faith – more valuable than gold, which perishes though refined by fire.” We can hold tightly to the truth that the legitimacy of our faith is strengthened as we endure these difficult times of unforeseen upheaval. We can know that the end result is God’s glory as He uses all things for good, never wasting an opportunity for us to draw nearer.

On the other hand, the opposite of change can be stagnation: to remain unchanged, unaffected, and unresponsive.

The Lord’s unwavering hand is at work in the midst of what we can only perceive to be chaos. Yet our stagnation impacts our ability to truly see His faithfulness in our midst.

We can trust that He is still orchestrating meaning when the madness is all that we can see.

As we gravitate towards new unknowns, we can remember that our unknowns have already been made known to the Lord. There is no circumstance that He has not already navigated beforehand. His unchanging character extends unchanging love that will result in the changing of our hearts more into the image of His Son. The end result is glory to His name and our hearts drawn nearer. Though we don’t have the answers, we do have an anchor: our God remains unchanged and is beckoning us – amidst all our confusion and consternation – into His immense sovereignty to find our rest.

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Embrace the change

This year as we continue to live in a world that doesn’t know from one moment to the next if we are going to be going back to some form of normality, I am reminded of the need to embrace the change, and accept that we are going to be living in a very fluid time.

If last year has taught us anything many of us have come to accept that some of the things that we hold on to as “normal” may never return, or at least not in the way that we have become so accustomed to.

Case and point international travel – even this week our Prime Minister here in New Zealand has admitted that ‘normal’ international travel to just about anywhere in the world may be a long way off as countries continue to grapple with the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. Even limited travel bubbles are on hold as we experience the first community case in approximately 2 months.

Many more countries have or are now in the process of closing their borders and are not anticipating reopening them as per “normal” any time soon – even if the vaccine has been successfully distributed in a particular country.

Expect managed isolation stays and limited travel unless you have been vaccinated as a ‘new normal’.

So how does this affect us in the church? We too need to embrace the change!

I say this because things are not going to necessarily be the same as we strive to comprehend what ‘new thing‘ God is doing in our communities and as we move to impact them with Christ’s message of life and hope – How church will look will very different to what they were just a few short years ago.

Some propose that many churches will not return to pre-covid attendance numbers and that if they do, it will be in a variety of different ways.

i.e. multiple services over multiple days and different times, or even in different locations / settings / buildings etc. and the list could go on…

One of the main examples of change that we need to embrace is the digital world – many churches and Corps around the world have pivoted (the latest buzz word) to use facebook, YouTube, Twitter and Instagram to not only keep congregational members connected, but also enabling them to continue worshipping in the comfort of their homes. Which for some didn’t happen previously as when they were unable to attend the Sunday morning service for whatever reason they simply missed out.

In the latest edition of The Officer (A quarterly magazine for Officers of The Salvation Army) the General (Brian Peddle) asks; “‘Who knew’ what opportunities the digital world would offer?”

He goes on to write; “I note, with deep admiration, the courage of those who have literally ‘moved the Army online’. Who knew…

that worship around the world was possible without leaving my couch? (Thank you!)

that an iPad passed through a letter box to a senior who is shielding (protecting people who are at high risk from coronavirus) allowed for the best pastoral visit ever?

that our online prayer meeting at IHQ could grow from 10 in attendance to 60, overnight?

that you can still kneel in your home and respond to the message, accept Christ and give your testimony (online) two weeks later?

The General goes on to say; “In celebrating our digital engagement and our online presence, I joked with a colleague, ‘Wouldn’t it be a good day if the headline could read: “Christians crash the Internet”?’ The Church is not closed! The Church is alive, living and breathing in each missional heart of those who follow and call Him Lord. We will find a way…

So, what does the ‘next normal’ look like? I see…

an Army that has recaptured its creative and adaptive spirit – we can do this!

an Army that is not held back by anything that prevents it in furthering the cause of Christ – Lord, set us free!

an Army that takes its stand, not one that is stuck on immovables, but an Army that pivots and is always turning toward the needs of people, and finally,

an Army that is outward facing, responding to its call to mission – ready, engaged and taking responsibility.

My challenge to The Salvation Army, to us as its leaders, is, ‘don’t re-embrace our “old normal” as if it is the best that God can do’.

‘See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland’ (Isaiah 43:19)

I propose to you that there is no evidence, biblically or in God’s narrative with his people, that the ‘old model’ is the only thing we must do… He is doing a new thing! Don’t miss it!           

Major Martin Gossauer, editor of The Officer adds: “In this time of great need and adversity, there are also positive outcomes: more people are hearing and sharing the gospel online; more people are praying; more people are taking care of and talking to their neighbours. Some church doors may be closed, but we are reminded: we don’t go to church we are the church; The Salvation Army is not a building, the Army is us – you and me, God working through us!”

So, as we approach this new year may we all be reminded that God is doing a “new thing“, and we need to reimagine how we do church in this fluid time that we find ourselves in. We need to embrace the change, even if we don’t fully understand it or even want to, as God is in the business of moving people forward in their journey of faith – just look at the lessons learnt by the Israelites in Exodus as they spent time being led by God in search of the promised land (I’m pretty sure He knew where he was leading them to).

This is something that we will be looking at as Annette starts a new sermon series this coming weekend as we explore ‘the land between’.

And yes this journey may be daunting and scary, a number of us might not be entirely happy with where we are heading – but with God on our side nothing is impossible and we will get through this into a much better place.

Blessings ’til next time 🙂

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Word of Encouragement – 21 November

As part of my devotions on Thursday morning I read the following from The Word for Today and felt it pertinent to post it as a Word of Encouragement to one and all, far and wide; as we here at The Salvation Army Wellington City endeavour to bring life and hope to the Inner City of Wellington and beyond.

If you’re struggling spiritually today, here are three thoughts that will help you: First, realise that doing God’s will isn’t always supposed to be easy. Satan, your enemy, gives up nothing without a fight, and anxiety is one of his secret weapons. That’s why the Bible says, ‘Let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up’ (Galatians 6:9 NLT). Overcomers aren’t necessarily more educated or more talented than other people, they’re just more persistent. They push beyond the point at which others quit.

Second, believe that God’s will is for your total wellbeing. You are the offspring of a perfect God, so act like it. His covenant with you is forever, so think like it. Your total wellbeing is his desire and delight, so live like it. The apostle John wrote: ‘I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers’ (3 John 2 NKJV).

Third, reach by faith for what God has promised you. Struggles act like a thief. They can rob you of time with those you love, money that could be used to achieve your goals, and energy needed to fulfil God’s purpose for your life. The prophet Isaiah said, ‘Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows… and by his stripes we are healed’ (Isaiah 53:4-5 NKJV). At the cross, Jesus purchased everything you need. So rise up in faith today and claim it, because as the Scripture says, ‘The Lord is good to those who depend on him, to those who search for him’ (Lamentations 3:25 NLT).

If you don’t subscribe to The Word For Today or Word For You Today which both offer daily words of encouragement may I encourage you to do so either through Rhema or Life FM you can download it on whichever platform works for you 🙂

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Sunday 4 October – Recap

If you were unable to join us last Sunday at 10:30am in-house, or at 6pm when we hosted ‘Church Online’ on our facebook Wellington City Corps or Wellington Citadel Band pages, you can have a recap of what we covered during our meeting by clicking on the link to our YouTube channel below.

This week we continued our sermon series looking at ‘Heroes of the Faith’ – Looking at people of faith that have had a lasting impact, or influence on our lives; exploring aspects of their faith and the characteristics that appeal to the preacher / speaker and why, and how they can relate for each and every one of us as we continue living out our Christian faith.

Again we were blessed to have Cadets Ben & Jesse Willis preach and lead the Corps while Annette & I were on furlough (holiday). Ben preached from Malachi 3:1, 6-7 and Isaiah 40:3-5, drawing on the life and ministry of John the Baptist.

Approximately 700 years before Jesus of Nazareth was born John was prophesied about and according to the book of Isaiah, John would be the messenger preparing the way for Jesus to come into His earthly ministry.

We hope and pray that through the words and music that you hear, and the many talents used in His service to bring this meeting to you each week, that you will be uplifted in your spirit and encouraged as you continue trusting in God and living out your journey of faith. Knowing that through His Holy Spirit He goes with you, He is walking beside you, and He is also preparing a way forward for you.

If you’d like to check out our previous services you can subscribe to our Corps YouTube Channel. You can also subscribe to the Wellington Citadel Band Channel where we have highlights of our recent tour to Singapore and Japan in 2019.

For those of you that have stumbled across this site, page or post and may want to know more about the Christian faith and what this can do to impact your life – why not check out the Gospel Message page as we all have a responsibility to share the “Good News” with others especially in today’s world 🙂

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Sunday 4 October

In many ways it is hard to imagine that we are only 12 weeks away (less than 90 days) from Christmas.

This Sunday 4 October we continue our sermon series looking at ‘Heroes of the Faith’ – Looking at people of faith that have had a lasting impact, or influence on our lives.

Again this week we are blessed to have Cadets Ben & Jesse Willis preach and lead the Corps while Annette & I are on furlough (leave). Ben will be preaching about John the Baptist drawing from Malachi 3:1, 6-7 and Isaiah 40:3-5.

Approximately 700 years before Jesus of Nazareth was born John was prophesied about and according to the book of Isaiah, John would be the messenger preparing the way for Jesus to come into His earthly ministry.

So if you are in the Inner City of Wellington on Sunday morning why not come and join us @ 10:30am at 92 Vivian Street, Wellington – Limited parking is available on site via 6 Jessie Street.

For those of you that are unable to attend for whatever reason or are wanting to check us out online you can view our ‘Church Online’ Service @ 6pm (NZ Time).

Links will be posted on our Wellington City Corps and Wellington Citadel Band Facebook pages and on this site on Sunday afternoon.

Please share these far and wide amongst your friends, family, social media contacts etc. so that we can continue reaching out with God’s love to those that may need it in these uncertain times, as we endeavour to ‘bring life and hope to the Inner City of Wellington’ and beyond.

The Covid-19 pandemic that continues to disrupt countries around the world has forced the church universal to ‘reimagine’ what our methodology looks like. For us here in Wellington, New Zealand we need to look at what that means not only at a local level, but also within the wider New Zealand picture, and also in this ‘online’ space worldwide. This brings with it many challenges and plenty of opportunities, as we seek to be ‘His hands and feet‘ in a world that desperately needs to see the “Life and Hope” that can come through the Message of Christ’s love.

It is our intention that through our musical offerings and the sharing of God’s Word for us in these days, that you would journey with us as we embark on making our services even more accessible in today’s world, and that you would be blessed by them and share that blessing with others.

May God continue to bless you each, and encourage you as we each endeavour to live out our Christian Faith in these unprecedented times 🙂

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