No News Before The Good News – Prioritizing Time With God

Last updated on: September 8, 2026 at 1:34 pm by Michele Howe

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No News Before The Good News – Prioritizing Time With God 2026-09-08T13:34:41-05:00 Michele Howe

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No News Before The Good News

Finally be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

Ephesians 6: 10-12

As we look at the condition of the world today, so utterly hostile to the gospel, we must also look at the sovereignty of God and at His promises. He has promised to redeem people from every nation, and He has commanded us to make disciples of all nations. We must, then, trust God by praying. We must learn to trust God, not only in the adverse circumstances of our individual lives, but also in the adverse circumstances of the Church as a whole.

Jerry Bridges

When we allow the world and all of its troubles, trials, and woes to infiltrate our hearts and minds before we spend time with God, we are ill-equipped to handle the magnitude of sorrow and grief we see, read, or hear. Only when we place things in their proper order – God first, then everything else, can we expect to see, read, or hear about the world’s brokenness through the lens of hope and eternity. Only then, can we see, read, and hear about these tragedies with hearts that can rise above the pain and suffering.

No News Before The Good News

Certainly, we cannot live with our heads in the sand and ignore the worldwide happenings, but we have to put first things first. That first thing is time spent daily with our heavenly Father so that he can renew our minds. In days like these when unrest is the norm each of us needs the timeless truths of God’s word to penetrate our hearts and minds day by day, hour by hour. We must learn to put on “no news before the Good News” into play in our lives so that our attitudes change. Our emotions will lift. Our walk and talk can be energized and fit to serve God with an attitude of grace-infused trust and a heart full of gratitude to the Lord for his constant, steady presence and provision.

Jesus Lives To Intercede For Us

No matter what is happening in your home, your town, your state, your country, or the world, God is still sovereignly ruling. That powerful biblical truth should give us inner peace, robust hope, and the spirit of an overcomer. God is on the throne. Jesus lives to intercede for us. The Holy Spirit dwells within us. That is the Good News we need to keep our focus upon.

Take-away Action Thought

When my emotions begin to spiral downward because I feel overwhelmed by the news of the day, I will turn off my phone; turn off the radio and turn off the television. Then I will turn my attention to the bible and prayer. I will remind myself of the Good News of Jesus Christ and how God is ruler over all the nations.

My Heart’s Cry to You, O Lord

Father, today I was feeling so overwhelmed by the suffering and pain from all parts of the world. I felt helpless to make a difference. And then I began to feel depressed and anxious because I cannot control any of this unrest that seems to be escalating each and every day. Help me to keep my heart and mind focused on you. Give me the wisdom to realize that you are fully in control and that you see what is happening. Please, Lord, I need your grace and strength to not fear what I witness taking place in our world today. I need your abiding presence and power to overcome my worries, fears, and doubts. Amen.

Practicing Grace and Gratitude

Grace and gratitude from God – Finally be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Each day this week I will prioritize time spent reading the bible and in prayer before I read, listen, or watch the news. I want my focus to be on God’s sovereignty and on seeing this broken world through the lens of hope and eternity.
Grace and gratitude in me – Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. Each morning, I will figuratively put on the full armor of God by reading through Ephesians 6 and reciting this passage out loud.
Grace and gratitude in life – For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Each evening, I’ll spend time writing out specific prayer requests (and answers) being mindful that my struggle in this life isn’t other people, adverse situations, or personal disappointments. My struggle is against spiritual forces that oppose God and his children.

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About Michele Howe

Michele Howe is the author of 31 books for women, children, and families. She has published over 3000 articles, reviews, and curricula. Her newest book, Brave Faith for Hard Things - Sacred Purpose in Ordinary Suffering, helps individuals focus their heart and mind on Christ alone and the good He is accomplishing through life's hardships and trials. You can read more about the author here.

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