The power of good news

28 November 2021

Filling your mind with what’s good for your heart 

Words Janine Donaldson 

It is always a great feeling to be on the receiving end of some good news, and let’s face it, we could all do with a dose of good, positive, encouraging news now and then. I find that when I receive good news, it has such an impact on my day. I become more positive, more focused, I smile more, and I am far more engaging. That is how powerful good news can be!  

 I don’t think this is unique to me. I was interested in finding entire web networks dedicated to good news stories for people to log into whenever they feel they need a positive hit. Hundreds of thousands of people access these sites every day. People are hungering to hear good news.  

 Of course, we are responsible for how we react and respond to life’s circumstances, and we are the ones who can choose to see the positive – in even some of the most difficult and trying circumstances.   

 For me, the one constant in my life that keeps me focused and positive is knowing that I have a Heavenly Father who loves me unconditionally – no strings attached! This does not mean that everything runs smoothly or that I do not experience disappointments, frustration, pain or sorrow, but it does mean that no matter what my circumstances are, at any given moment, I can find strength in knowing that God is always with me. Just knowing that he loves me is the best ‘good news’ I could ever receive.  

 In [the biblical book of] Isaiah chapter 52, the prophet describes the wonderful, life-changing moment the Jewish people hear of their impending release after being held as slaves and prisoners in a foreign land for almost 70 years. They see a messenger coming in the distance, and Isaiah says: “What a beautiful sight to behold – the precious feet of the messenger coming over the mountains to announce good news! He comes to refresh us with wonderful news, announcing salvation to Zion and saying, ‘Your Mighty God reigns!’” (Isaiah chapter 52, verse 7, The Passion Translation). 

 While we all welcome and appreciate receiving good news, like the messenger in that passage from Isaiah, we can also be the bearers of wonderful news to those around us – our families, friends, and people in our neighbourhoods. 

I am so grateful to people who chose to take an interest in me at various stages in my life journey and who spoke good news – words of encouragement, hope, and life into me at just the right moments. They will never know what a difference they made or the impact it had on me.  

 But I don’t just want to be on the receiving end of good news. I want to be a person who continually looks for opportunities to speak words of life and hope to others. I want to be a messenger of good news, and the best news we can bring is to tell people that God loves them and wants to enter into a personal relationship with them. I can assure you there are so many people needing – and longing – to hear that wonderful, refreshing, good news!  

What about you? Who can you encourage today with this life-changing good news?  

Commissioner Janine Donaldson is co-leader of The Salvation Army Australia.