It’s safe to say we all crave peace.
In a recent post Peace is Possible I reflected on what peace means to me and how I think it is absolutely possible to stay positive and at peace even amidst the stresses of life. Philippians 4:4-7 talks about gratitude and prayer and God’s nearness leading to an amazing promise that “the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. – Philippians 4:4-7
But there’s more! The verse goes on…
8 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. 9 What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you. – Philippians 4:8-9 (ESV)
Verse 8 has always been one of my favorites and it feels extra important in 2020 to try to “think about these things”…the true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent, praise worthy things. Training our mind to focus on the good and beautiful things around us has the power to change our perspective, our anxiety levels, and our day-to-day experiences. It doesn’t mean you deny the hard things, it just means you don’t dwell and or allow the hard things to overtake you. We can guard ourselves from things that bring up fear and worry, and think about the things that bring us up and encourage. And when we practice “thinking on these things” God promises His peace will be with us. What a blessing.
We are human though, so give yourself grace if you feel overwhelmed and take some time to rest, slow yourself down and dwell on the truths of God!
Check out these previous posts for great reminders of the power of gratitude and focusing your mind on the right things:
- What You Think About, Comes About
- Thankfulness Can Change The Course Of Your Life
- Train Your Thoughts
We can be Unstoppable when we think about the good and beautiful things and live with the peace of God!
