Getting The Wrong End of the Stick

I was reading news articles and blogs online this morning that made me want to scream.  So I decided to get it all out and started writing about how much it all annoyed me.....but seven paragraphs in, I realized that I was getting more upset by venting, not less.  That's getting the wrong end of the stick.  What purpose would it serve to air my views about what made me cross?  Certainly not the purpose that I serve.  My focus needed to shift.

Stuff that may look strong on the surface just makes you weaker inside:

Complaining, getting angry, letting the rage out. 
Listening to depressing songs or discordant melodies.
Watching violent shows and movies. 

It doesn't help.  It makes things worse.

The old saying is true:  
it is better to light a candle than curse the darkness.

Focusing on goodness is an active position, not at all passive.  Being around positive people, accepting happiness, being grateful for everything (especially the tough stuff), taking nothing for granted.  This is work that builds spiritual muscle.  

Always, no matter what sort of day I'm having, I am brought back to the same place, the same five Bible verses, so I know that I am still learning:

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!  Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 

Philippians 4:4-8