“Finally, believers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable and worthy of respect, whatever is right and confirmed by God’s word, whatever is pure and wholesome, whatever is lovely and brings peace, whatever is admirable and of good repute; if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think continually on these things [center your mind on them, and implant them in your heart].” (Philippians 4:8 AMP)
REFLECTION
When things don’t go as planned / hoped and feelings fluctuate, my thoughts can quickly turn negative and I’m tempted to roll my eyes and utter a bitter “whatever” …but, thank God, we can choose to “take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.”(2 Corinthians 10:5) and intentionally focus on “whatever is true, whatever is honorable and worthy of respect, whatever is right and confirmed by God’s word…”
This doesn’t mean living in a little bubble of denial. It means prayerfully facing reality with hope and moving forward courageously, confident in Christ. This positions us to be solution orientated when dealing with difficulties and tender toward those who help us practice patience, thereby cultivating goodness by God’s grace.
PRAYER POEM
Loving Lord ~ please help me to focus on You and all that is good and true, as I prayerfully follow through. Teach me to trust You to do what only You can do, in and through me, in dark valleys as well as in victory.
