Have you ever felt like you needed a break from something destructive or toxic in your life?
A relationship? A substance? A cable television channel?
If you did feel that way, and if you successfully put that nasty habit aside, did you notice how much more relaxed and less anxious you felt?
Once you got over the initial jitters, headaches, and tormenting dreams of Tucker Carlson, did you feel a wave of relaxation pouring over your body and mind?
The truth is, we all get ingrained into our routines and comfortable in our way of life. As a result, we surround ourselves, as much as possible, and often unconsciously, with like-minded people.
In our homes. In our jobs. In our living rooms. And on our televisions and smartphones.
We surround ourselves with those who think the way we think and inherently make us feel good. More often, however, they make us feel angry or anxious about something we don't like.
We are attracted to what we like. We are addicted to what makes us angry. And the news media puppet masters know exactly how to pull those strings, as long as we allow their programming to penetrate our minds.
On a recent episode of his Pathway to Victory Podcast, titled "Moving From Anxiety to Peace," Dr. Robert Jeffress discussed why turning away from negative, addicting influences can help lower our stress levels and calm our minds.
"It's not the size of what you're worrying about that determines your anxiety level; it's what you're focusing on," Jeffress said. "You determine your focus in life, and (Saint) Paul said one important antidote to worry is making sure you're focusing on the right thing."
Jeffress, who has made countless appearances on cable television programs over the years, pointed out that we must carefully guard what material we allow into our daily lives.
"This is going to offend some of you, I know. And my goal is not to offend you," Jeffress warned. "I'm talking to you as your friend and pastor. But I have to say this. There are many Christians who are feeling anxious right now because they have got the wrong focus."
In Jeffress' opinion, the media has become a much-too-important influence in many peoples' lives.
"Can I tell you a secret? The media doesn't care one thing about your level of anxiety. They don't care about your peace of mind; they really don't. And I'm talking about the left-wing media and the right-wing media," Jeffress said. "They don't care about your peace of mind. They care about one thing - getting you to click on their website or getting you to watch their television program. That's all they care about. And they're constantly thinking, how can we get more viewers?"
As the old adage goes - if it bleeds, it leads.
"And they've discovered the secret," Jeffress continued. "They've discovered the secret is to either make you angry or to make you anxious. If they can do either one, they can get you to tune in."
"Make you angry. They canceled Dr. Seuss! Dr. Seuss is canceled, oh my, oh my, oh my! What are we gonna do?" Jeffress mocked. "Now look, I like Dr. Seuss. I don't believe in the cancel culture. I'm sorry they canceled Dr. Seuss, but I've got some great news for you if you're all worked up about that. The Gospel of Jesus Christ does not depend on the Cat in the Hat. Did you know that? Isn't that great news?"
If one can't relate to Jeffress' specific focus on Jesus, it would also be true to extrapolate and say your job doesn't depend on the Cat in the Hat. Neither does your health or your family's well-being. In the scope of what is truly important and lasting in life, this example of a media-propelled controversy probably doesn't make most peoples' list.
Giving up that afternoon coffee might be difficult, but it may lead to numerous health benefits. The same with ditching the smokes.
And occasionally, quitting the news cold turkey, at least for a spell, can provide a healthy dose of peace and tranquility.
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