With all the trouble we have in the world today, do you find that you function somewhere in the “overload” zone in your life? In years gone by the public was not bombarded by all of the tragedies and troubles of the world on a moment-by-moment basis. If something took place which was particularly troubling, most people would not find out about it until the event was at least two or three days old. Of course, the closer it came to home, the quicker the news traveled, but most world news was what today’s media would term “old news” by the time we got it. By then one would reason that since it was a few days old and since it had exerted no impact upon their lives that they were safe from it and therefore did not worry about it. But today it is different. News organizations such as CNN, FOX, MSNBC and the major networks make sure that everyone in the world has the ability to consume any and all types of news immediately. If there is a bombing in Israel (something you can do nothing about) you know it before the smoke clears. If there is a murder which is particularly gruesome, you know it before the blood stains dry. If there is a natural disaster it is as if it is taking place in your own living room. If there are starving children anywhere in the world, you are transported right into their midst. And, the average person feels the frustration, pain and guilt of not being able to do anything about all of this.
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So, the question arises; just what is news to me and when is a happening turned into a production so that the news media can sell commercials and be the one who can claim that they were “the first to bring you the story.” Personally, I feel that real news is anything that has a direct bearing on my life and the lives of my family members. These are the things that I need to know about and news should be something you NEED to know not something that is mere information. Furthermore, the real news is made up of bare facts minus all of the commentary that is espoused by so many of the news personalities today. I believe that one reason so many people live with so much tension and frustration is that they are continually confronted with things they cannot control and can do nothing about. Being the good people they are, and desiring to help people, they find themselves under undue stress because the news media has told them INFORMATION which is beyond their ability to affect in any way. Just think about it this way. The next time you view the news just ask these questions following each story: “Now, did I NEED to know that?” “How does that affect me personally?” If you cannot find a valid reason why you needed to be exposed to the information then it was not news to you, but simply INFORMATION. Then, determine in yourself that you will not let those things which are hurled at you in each newscast, stir you into fits of guilt and frustration because of your inability to do something about them. Don’t let the information raise your blood pressure and cause fits of anxiety.
Do you find that just about everything that happens in your life suddenly become a crisis. No matter how small the situation is, you find that it causes you to react in a hyper way. The whole situation is dealt with in a way which brings frustration. When a person reaches the point that just about anything that interrupts their normal way of life causes their blood pressure to rise and their reactions to be hyper extended, they are living in the Overload Zone. When everything (even something minor) tends to become a crisis, one is living in the Overload Zone.
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I recently told a person who was giving me material to read that I had so much I HAD to read that I didn’t have time to read some things I WANTED to read. I feel the same about the news and what is fed to us. I spend so much time dealing with things I HAVE to deal with in ordinary life that I don’t have time to spend on things I can do nothing about. But I want to share with you that years ago I discovered how to take the tension out of life and to live above the things going on around me while still being informed. The only person who has the answers to life is Jesus Christ. When I committed my life to Him and He became my Savior, I found that His Spirit led me to believe everything He says in the Bible. In Mt. 6:25 and following, Jesus talks about our trust in God and how we should not worry. He says in verse 33, “But seek ye first the kingdom of God and all these things shall be added unto you.” I believe in a Sovereign God who knows everything and who is in control of His universe. He cannot be caught by surprise (because that would indicate that He thought something else was going to happen and therefore He is not omniscient), and you cannot disappoint Him (disappointment would indicate that he expected something else and was disappointed when it didn’t take place.) This would indicate that He was not sovereign and could not control the events of life. When I believe in a Sovereign God, I relieve myself from the frustration, worry, high blood pressure and tensions of life. It makes life much sweeter. It also helps one decide what really is important and how they should react to it.
So, the next time things start pushing you into the “Overload Zone” just remember that it was never designed by God for you to live that way. Also remember that He IS in control no matter what the circumstances are saying to you. The God who is able to handle anything and everything did not intend for us to Live in the “Overload Zone”.
Reverend William (Bill) Harrell has been in ministry 48 years. He served as the pastor of Abilene Baptist Church in Martinez, GA for over 30 of those years. He can be reached at wfh@williamfharrell.com. You can also check out his blog at www.williamfharrell.com.
