Good News in a Bad World

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Good News in a Bad World

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Sometimes victory has nothing to do with war and politics—and everything to do with the miracle of saving human life.

On Jan. 15, 2009, severely disabled US Airways Flight 1549 with two dead engines landed on the frigid waters of the Hudson River near New York City.

The exemplary skills of the pilot Chelsey B. Sullenberger III enabled the cabin of the plane to remain intact so that all of the passengers and crew could exit safely into lifeboats and onto the wings of the plane. Within minutes ferry boats and emergency crews moved in to take the passengers to safety and warmth.

I watched the last few minutes of the rescue on television. Reports were still coming in to determine if all aboard had survived. News people were astounded at the calmness of the survivors and rescuers and that such an incident with so much potential for tragedy turned into a miracle.

I don't like to use the word miracle lightly. It frequently suffers overuse, but this event had elements of a miraculous occurrence. Typically such a crash would produce massive fuselage damage from a headlong dive into the river or—worse—a headlong dive into a crowded part of New York City.

Pilot and crew skill was exceptional, but so many things that could have gone wrong went right.

Good news

The survival of Flight 1549 was good news for those on board and for everyone else. A little good news, genuine good news, can be refreshing. As the Bible says:

"A merry heart does good, like medicine, but a broken spirit dries the bones" (Proverbs 17:22).

Or, a slight variation on the theme:

"As cold water to a weary soul, so is good news from a far country" (Proverbs 25:25).

The contrast between good news and bad is so dramatic because there is so much bad news in this world. News media coverage tends to focus on tragedy and scandal. That's how they market their brand. Media companies have a bias and desire to improve their financial status just like any other trade. And they aren't particularly impartial.

Stay positive

Finding good news feeds a positive attitude. The rescue on the Hudson is a particularly striking example.

  • Try to find a good news report to read each day. Remember, real good news is in harmony with God's law.
  • Share good news when you find it to encourage others.
  • Read an uplifting scripture from the Bible (like the proverbs above) every day and focus on that during free moments.

The best news

The best news in history comes from the same reliable source that reminds us to seek good news and develop a merry heart.

The Bible—the words of God inspired to be written down by those whom He chose—carries a message so good that it will ultimately brush aside the storm clouds of a coming dark age. This plan for a fair and bountiful future society with a trustworthy government piloted by the one and only Messiah Jesus Christ is by far the best news, ever!

For more information about the good news of God's plan, read the article "Good News About Bible Prophecy."

Like the rescue of Flight 1549, good news can be a life saver! VT