News overload
“Of making many books there is no end, and much study wearies the body.” So writes the Teacher as he concludes the book of Ecclesiastes. (Eccl 12v12)
Perhaps if he were to comment on life today, the Teacher might also add – that of the making of many newsfeeds, bulletins and breaking-news headlines there is, most definitely, no end.
Pandemics have happened before. What has not happened before is the constant reporting of what is happening and what might happen in the days and weeks and months to come.
And for many, this barrage of information (and speculation) is causing much anxiety and confusion. In 2016, a therapist, Dr Steven Stosny, coined the term “Headline Stress Disorder.” Some people are being broken - by breaking news. HSD has likely never been so prevalent as it right now. Maybe you’re suffering with it.
The Teacher in Ecclesiastes is not opposed to books and gaining knowledge and the use of our intellect. But he also knows their limitations. Knowledge is meaningless without reference to God. In Ecclesiastes 12v11, we read that it is the Shepherd (God himself) who ultimately gives wisdom. We don’t therefore just need more and more information. We need God’s perspective on what we are being told. Wisdom teaches us to consider how God would want us to respond to all the news that we consume.
Can I suggest the following: (Most of which are adapted from Pete Nicholas’ article in May’s Evangelicals Now)
Don’t follow live news feeds. Why not resolve to read or listen to the news once or twice a day – where the reporting is more settled. Limit your news consumption.
Avoid speculation and the sensational. The reality is that sensational headlines sell more papers and get more clicks. Let’s make an effort to try to stick to known facts – and the most important facts.
Consider how God would want you to respond to the news you are being told. Is there something you can pray for yourself or others? Will it impact how you live as a Christian in God’s world? What would a wise, God fearing, response to it be?
Ensure that your mind is being filled with God’s Word and not just news. God’s Word gives comfort and commands and promises that should inform and shape our response to the news headlines. It points us towards Jesus. He is the Good News – who gives hope and perspective on all the other news that comes our way.