Are you aware of what you think about each day? Our culture is inundated with influences that want to lead the way we are thinking. Media, advertising, and visuals are everywhere that remind us of the ways of the world. I remember when I learned that we actually had the ability to think about what we were thinking about. I had never realized that before! I certainly don’t always make the right choices in my thought life, but man I am so grateful for the knowledge that I can change the track of my thinking!
God designed us to be creative beings just like Him. And that means we have control of the thoughts we think, the words we say and the actions that follow. The Word instructs us to pay attention to what’s going on in our minds! Romans says,
“For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.”
Romans 8:6 ESV
In Philippians, Paul speaks to the church at Philippi and encourages them. He encourages them in their current circumstances and offers teaching of how to remain in the peace of God. He says,
“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” Philippians 4:8
Friends, some of the circumstances we are facing are more discouraging than we have seen them in our lifetime. Bad news seems to abound, with the world offering no hope or life or peace.
But we have a choice. To think on these things. Good, perfect, lovely and true things. And why? Because the Word tells us that then we will have the peace of God. I think it is so interesting that Paul says “whatever is” or in some translations “whatsoever”. That means this isn’t JUST scripture we should be focusing on….this is being able to look at the natural world and see things that are good and lovely and focusing on those things rather than the negative things. We were designed to see truth, the beauty of creation and be at peace.
“And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:7 ESV
There is ALWAYS good news found in Christ! In the depths of His love there is unending joy, unimaginable peace and forever hope. If you are distraught, depressed, or overwhelmed, check your thinking and bring it back into alignment with the Word of God. And then, just as is promised, we can experience peace that will guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
So let us see to it that we discipline our minds to be stayed on truth and light and lovely things, so that our hearts may be guarded and remain in the peace of Christ.
Written By: Callie Coryell ( R+G's custom designer and hand letterer )
So important to control what with think on and ‘ ‘take captive’ every thought that comes against the knowledge of Christ and like you said there are good and lovely things all around us. I love looking at nature and how marvelous and intricate it is. The stars, trees, flowers, insects,etc. all speak of the marvelous works of God