Revealing The Good With Our Thoughts

Too many times, we are caught up with the negative and as a caretaker, our

perspectives can become consumed with despair. Our encouragement comes from the

scripture above, with St. Paul reminding us of what we need to focus on, particularly

when what we focus on is what gains the strength. Certainly, our goal is to stay in a

place of peace. However, our negative thoughts can take us away from peace and stop

our trusting that God’s love is steadfast.

St. Paul lists the true, which is reliable and honest; the noble, or worthy of

respect; the right or just, which conforms to God’s standards and merits approval; the

pure, which is moral and chaste; the lovely, which is pleasing and agreeable; the

admirable, which is worthy of praise. All of which will shape a truly Christian character.

As we put God’s truth into practice, we sense the God of peace within us. No one says

this is easy. This wisdom comes from a man who was in prison and facing death, a man

who had been stoned and beaten, hounded by the mob and more if you are familiar with

many of St. Paul’s writing.

With Advent starting in a few weeks, can we plan to focus on the beautiful and

praiseworthy? Perhaps even for ‘some’ hours each day, till it becomes a good habit?

Earlier in Philippians 4:6, “Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and

petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God.” We often exhaust

ourselves with worry and it is fruitless, besides making ourselves miserable. I read

recently, “Worry is our work, trying to do God’s job.” Better to pray, listen and do what is

prompted by the Holy Spirit. If we think we can do better than God, we are giving

ourselves unnecessary pressure.

Today I try not talk about my problems, I talk instead how big my God is. Can

you rest in knowing the One who holds the universe also holds your future? I hear

others say it is so difficult waiting for God to act on their behalf. Pretty much, none of us

like to wait. Seasons of waiting are not wasted, they refine us, deepen our relationships

with God and lead us toward His perfect path. It is in these moments that even if we

stumble, we grow to rely more deeply on God’s strength and to flourishing in ways we

might never have imagined. Believe that no problem is bigger than your God. Let us

become aware as we choose wisely to reveal the good each day by our thoughts and

words!