In this world of greed, someone is always trying to get me to buy more. And the best way to get me to buy something is to convince me that I have a problem which can be solved by a product you sell. To get me to buy soap, you must show me how dirty I am. To get me to buy a new car, you have to show me how slow or ugly or unreliable or outdated my current car is.

In other words, negativity sells. When I am told that things are bad, and I dwell on all that is wrong with my life, I will be ripe for manipulative sales tactics for everything from political campaigns to toothpaste.

To break out of the hyper-consumerism of this culture, I need to stop listening to the fear-mongering sellers of discontent and despair and focus on the Truth. After all, it’s really hard to sell anything to a happy, contented person.

“Finally brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable — if there is any moral excellence and if there is anything praiseworthy — dwell on these things.” (Philippians‬ ‭4‬:‭8,‬ ‭CSB)‬‬

The truth is that no matter what is going on in the world or in my life, God is the same. He loves me, He has a plan for me, and He will never forsake me. When I follow God, I already have everything I need.

Dear God, thank you for your promise to meet all my needs when I let you be my Shepherd. When I trust you and follow your voice, you will tend to me with loving mercy and generosity. Forgive me for letting fear lead me instead, for letting the world tell me I am lacking, and for listening to ugliness and lies. Teach me how to dwell on whatever is true, lovely, and excellent.