“…Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” Philippians 4:8
I climbed on a counter and propped my knee just momentarily to wipe down a window earlier this week when the next thing I knew I was crashing down. First a thud onto the edge of the counter, and then bam, floor. It happened so quickly I had no time to prepare, all I remembered was that my thoughts had drifted to an old memory that I hadn’t enjoyed. After the thud, I couldn’t even remember what that memory was, still can’t. It got me thinking, about thoughts… (Now that’s a thinker! Ha!) How they can powerfully shape a day, a decision, a mood, and what happens next in our life.
We are reminded to dwell on true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable things! Throughout our day, we think about lots of things. We can think about the movie we just watched, the book we just read, the “thing” that just happened, the person that hurt us or made us feel great, the gift we want, the weather, war, money, the list goes on and on and on.
But God….
“These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.” Deuteronomy 6:6-9
He warned us how important our thoughts are and how easily we can forget our focus. Words used such as “impress, tie, bind, and write,” imply the importance of permanence, practice, tangible, and routine ways in which we must keep our focus on that which is true, noble, right, and pure, lovely and admirable.
How do we find these things in a broken world? From the only source that never fails, God Himself, His word, and His Spirit running through us as we go about sharing it. This requires a constant renewal of our mind:
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is-his pleasing and perfect will.” Romans 12:2
So, as we head into Christmas and a New Year, let’s set our minds on:
Hope in things that are not of this world but that will bring hope to this world.
Healing a painful memory instead of dwelling in the pain.
Seeing someone in a lovely way instead of the way they left you.
Focusing on truth instead of the lies around us.
Doing what is right, even though there may be wrong all around us.
Being noble at times you are faced with those being dishonorable.
Being someone to admire when those you admire have let you down.
Behaving in a way that is praiseworthy even when we aren’t getting any praise.
When our home is filled with these types of thoughts, it will be a very Merry Christmas, a Happy New Year, and our Father will smile down and say,
“Well done, good and faithful servants!” Matthew 25:21
There is not a greater gift under the tree than these things as we wait on Him!
Merry Christmas, Julie
P.S. Today’s image was of a memory, from a Christmas 7 years ago when my boys had smiles that were contagious and propelled me forward in life. Today I wanted to remember this me and these precious gifts God sent to make me a better person while I wait on Him to make all things new.
Father, Today I Surrender:
My Thoughts
Show me the next step I should take.