Bad News: Whose Report would you believe ?

"Now David was greatly distressed, for the people spoke of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and his daughters.
 But David strengthened himself in the Lord his God".

1Samuel 30:6 (NKJV)

News could be true or false, good , exciting and encouraging or could be bad, sad and shocking news.

In order for news to qualify as useful and fit for purpose, it must contain fresh and up to date information which are relevant and valuable to the news readers , viewers and listeners.

Stale news is unexciting because it is news without the surprise factor . Being stale , it loses its impact  and as such stale news is received with indifference and is regarded as "old hat !"

Information or news whether good or bad ones,could be transmitted into human minds via print, electronic, psychological and spiritual means.

Daily , there is more of bad news than good news being reported in the print and electronic media not because there are no good news to report , but because no news sells better  and faster than bad news.

  Every day, the various News media broadcast  true reports of horrendous events , unusual crimes detailing depraved human behaviour and countless news reports of horrific events and various disasters ; both natural and man-made ones, which would shock and sadden normal human beings.

Bad news could be made up of false or true reports.

 It is often said that people should not believe everything heard, seen or read in the news media or in the  local grape vine ( gossip network).

However , some people love  to read the "juicy" bad news  and gossips about the affairs of their fellow men.  

Indeed there have been  some sensational "breaking news" and " hot news"  which were shocking scandals ,  gossips or sensational and attention- grabbing headlines, but even as such , they turned out  to be factual reports  and  true stories.

The greater the personalities involved in the scandals , the juicier the "breaking news" for public entertainment which generates more profits for the media houses.

Some media houses do not even bother  to confirm the veracity and accuracy of  their news before writing or broadcasting news reports about sensational  events and about famous people .

This brand of journalism has resulted in litigation for compensation against some media houses  resulting in payment of huge legal fines by them , in addition to loss of news credibility for their news organisation .

 

Good news or bad news could make or mar a person's day and entire life.

Sapping and demoralizing are the effects of hearing bad news ; therefore everybody hopes and prays not to be the topic of bad news or to receive bad news whether such bad news are true or false bad news about  themselves , their dear ones, their jobs , nations , cities or communities.
Bad news weighs down the soul ; evil reports hit one with the force of a speed train, knocking one completely off course.

Some bad news would stir up a lot of depression, anger, hate, sorrow and discouragement, in human lives even for a very long period of time.

 

There are persons who have been tagged "Bad News " because the presence of such persons is not welcome and their words lack credibility.

Their first name is "Bad News" not because they are notorious for reporting bad news , but  because they have a track record of leaving behind them their  trade marks of unforgettable and bitter memories for  persons who have had  the misfortune of having encounters with such "Bad News" persons.

Satan , his demonic spirits and demonic human agents generate  and transmit "Bad News".

These evil beings are the creators , the authors and senders of bad news beamed into human lives to destabilise and destroy them.

They set out to destroy peoples' belief in God and to make people forget who they are in God.

Satanic agents would never tell you and the world good news about you. They would deliberately ignore and refuse to report all that is good and beautiful news concerning you, but they are always eager and quick to report bad news to spread negative reports about their targets of hate . 

The dark cloud of bad news could be so intense that one would be incredulous about ever seeing any light in that very gloomy situation .

Even so ,in the face of bad news, whose report would you believe?
                                   

Truly,  for every dark cloud , there is a silver lining .

The hearer of bad news could survive its impact depending on his/ her reactions to the bad news.

Sometimes, our best wishes and good intentions could fail to prevent the occurrence or arrival of bad news.

 But our reactions to all bad news would determine  our survival of the evil impact of such news .

The bad news about the defeat of Israel in battle , the death of his sons and the capture of the Ark of God was very devastating news to Eli and his family.

1 Samuel 4:10- 22.

In moments of receiving Bad News ,what would be your reactions ?hose report would you believe?

Would you believe the very ugly and very bad news reports or would you believe the Truth about  your situations which is being eclipsed by bad news?
One could hear  very bad news but could refuse to be affected by it when one is filled with the  knowledge of the Truth about one's situations.

The truth is that we have the peaceful assurance from Jesus Christ the Prince of Peace that we have overcome every unpleasant event and distressing news and always, we shall overcome them  all.

" These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. 

In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer,  I have overcome the world.” John 16 : 33

 When confronted with the challenges of bad news,

the choice is clear : reject and refuse to be floored by the bad news received , or accept  it and be destabilised by it.

Whichever option is chosen would have attendant consequences , either good or bad on the lives of people.

 " Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things ".  
Philippians 4:8. King James Version (KJV)

 In the face of the bad news of defeat , great loss and sorrow , when David returned home to see his camp ransacked and all his loved ones abducted and carried away by his enemies , he was faced with a great dilemma  and with a number of choices , some not  too pleasant  to contemplate.

But in contrast to the reactions of Eli the High Priest and his daughter in law , David did not allow the bad news which he received to destroy him.

Even in the face of the destruction of his camp and the cries of  despair from all the people around him , David encouraged himself in the Lord his God because he knew the truth about the God he was serving .

1 Samuel 30:1-20.

David pursued , overtook and destroyed his enemies and he and his men recovered everyone and everything they had lost . 

Like David did , in the face of bad news and very grave challenges , we will believe the report of the Lord and ACT on the report of the Lord .

Never be grounded by bad news , but believe the report of the Lord and receive abundant grace to pursue  and possess the Truth concerning all your situations .
 Amen.