In more than a few settings, I hear from people who express their anger and frustration about the situation of our world and the many bad things that are happening in our country and all over.  It is difficult in the times we are living in, with its 24/7 media coverage, not to get drawn into the daily trials of so many, and allow ourselves to get down, depressed and/or angry about it.

When we don't give our attention firstly to the Lord, in praise and thanks for His many blessings, especially His teachings, His example, and the life He won then we can find ourselves moving in directions that lead us to believe that the devil is winning, and maybe even come to believe that the battle belongs to the devil and his way.  That's why I like to let songs like "The Battle Belongs to the Lord" echo in my mind and heart and help me to stay positive, not about everything going on in the world, but instead, on everything that is going on in the hearts and lives of believers in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.  Through the grace of God, the refrain from a song we recently learned and started singing at Mass comes into my mind and heart often, and keeps me on track with and toward the Lord.  It is something that is, with saying or singing at any time of the day.  "The God of all grace has  blessed us this day, all of creation joins us in praise; lifting our voices, lifting our hearts to the glory of God forever."  Amen.