True confession . . . I start most days with the NY Times and a quick scan of the headlines (right after I do the day’s Wordle). And then, as time permits, over the course of the morning I tap into other news sources and podcasts. Some with a more “left” bias, those that would be classified as having a “liberal” leaning, and also some that tilt “right” and would come from more of what would be considered more of a “conservative” predisposition. Oh yeah, and I also go to what I consider to be a somewhat neutral news source so that I can try and establish what’s factual through the “evidence of two or three witnesses”(2Cor. 13:1). I find I need to try and keep up on the truth of what’s happening, not because I necessarily like soap operas, reality TV, and drama, but because I think it’s important to keep trying to answer the question, “How should we then live?” (Thanx, Francis Schaeffer).

But there’s a price to be paid for that habit. In case you’re unaware, what’s going on in our world can be pretty heavy. A lot to try and take in. Somewhat burdensome. Discouraging even. Add to that the run-of-the-mill personal trials, tribulations, and sufferings and, oh man, the weight can be crushing.

That’s why I also start most days with my bible. Why, in addition to staying in touch with the left and right of my horizontal existence, I need to be tethered and cling to the up and down of my vertical reality. Knowing that regardless of how heavy things are here and now, things will be heavier there and then.

So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.

(2Corinthians 4:16-18 ESV)

We do not lose heart . . . our inner self is being renewed day by day . . . this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond comparison . . . Chew on that for a bit!

Take in all the daily news you want (from reliable sources not algorithm-driven social media). Seek to be like the ancient men of Issachar “who had understanding of the times,” to know what they ought to do (1Chr. 12:32). But know it’s gonna affect your heart. Depending on your own bias, it’s gonna evoke ire or empathy. At times you’re going to be livid for feel like you’re languishing. As my friend used to say, your heart’s gonna be up and down like a toilet seat.

But don’t lose heart. Be renewed day by day.

How’s that gonna happen? Take in the good news daily as well — lots of it! Consider not just the things that are seen, the things that are transient, but meditate — think long and hard — on the things that are not seen, things which are eternal. Know that whatever the weightiness of the world we experience, it is but preparing us for an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison.

How heavy is heaven? Way heavier than any heaviness we experience here and now.

So we’re not giving up. How could we! Even though on the outside it often looks like things are falling apart on us, on the inside, where God is making new life, not a day goes by without his unfolding grace. These hard times are small potatoes compared to the coming good times, the lavish celebration prepared for us.

(2Corinthians 4:16-17 MSG)

Small potatoes compared to what’s coming!

To misquote the old southern gospel song, “How heavy heaven must be . . . ” (Check out the actual song by clicking here)

Not a day goes by without His unfolding grace . . .

And not a day goes by without the renewed inner self giving Him glory!

Amen?