Philippians 4:8 (ESV) 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.
For the past 4 weeks, my church has been on a life-changing journey to discover what our thought processes really are and how they impact our own lives and those around us. Plain and simple, our thoughts run our lives. I don’t think I have ever thought about what I think about so much in my life. I tend to “over-analyze” everything. From what I say, to how people interpret what I say and then on to what other people may be thinking or saying has always set off some chain reaction thought-process in my head. I never really realized how exhausting my thought life is until just recently. Prior to 4 weeks ago, I just figured it was the way God made me….so wonderfully complex.
But I think the truth is, Satan just wants me all spun up and questioning every single thing that comes out of my own mouth or the mouths and actions of others. Satan wants me immobile…he wants to hold me in a fear prison so I don’t get to experience the abundant life God has planned for me (John 10:10, Jerimiah 29:11).
AGAIN…exhausting!
The truth is YES, I am fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14) by God, in His own image (Genesis 1:26). But God never intended me to be an anxious, over-analyzing mess who continually plays and/or replays negative (hurtful) things in my head. In Philippians 4:8, Paul encourages us to think on things that are true and honorable, just and pure. But how will I know what those things are if I don’t spend time reading the truth of God’s word and focusing on the truth of what it says?
So my challenge today (and every day) is to:
- LEARN the word of God
- LIVE in a way that brings honor and glory to the Father
- SPEAK the truth over myself and others around me
When I do these things, I am throwing off the former things (the way I think, act and speak) and allowing the Holy Spirit to renew my thoughts and attitudes (Ephesians 4:22 – 24).
Here are a few truths to walk in today:
- God will provide for my every need (Philippians 4:19)
- There is NOTHING that can separate me from the love of God (Romans 8:37 – 39)
- God gives power to the weak, He will restore my strength (Isaiah 40:29 – 31)
- The Lord will fight for me (Exodus 14:14)
- The Lord loves me with an everlasting love (Jeremiah 31:3)
