I will be the first to admit I do not particularly like watching the news. Part of this is because I don’t feel I have the time, but honestly a large part is I don’t like the negativity. I find myself becoming sad, angry, frustrated, discouraged, and sometimes even scared when I hear and see the things being reported.

Just recently we have seen senseless violence and rioting in Milwaukee, record-setting floods and damage in Louisiana, and unfathomable tragedy with the death of three young couples form Oxford. And of course, nobody can ignore the looming election in November. Who should we support? Which candidate is right for our country? It seems there is no right, or at least no perfect, answer.

There are many verses to turn to to find encouragement from God’s Word, but it seems the one I am always drawn to is Proverbs 3:5-6, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” Honestly, I don’t have trouble trusting God. It is the “lean not on your own understanding” that gives me trouble sometimes. It is easy to become sad, angry, frustrated and discouraged when we lean on our own understanding. It is during times like this that we need to seek God’s word and listen for Him to speak even more fervently. Trust Him, acknowledge Him, and He will direct us.