Think on These Things

 "Whatever things are true..." = "Jesus loves me, this I know!" 

THINK ON THESE THINGS

“Whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy – meditate on these things,” Philippians 4:8 NKJV.  The NIV translations ends with the words, “think about such things.”

 In these challenging times in which we’re living, it’s easy to have thoughts filled with negativity.  Too often, I find myself thinking about how many people are still coming down with Covid and how many have died – which leads to fear and sorrow.  The need to wear masks and distance from people has caused further stress by isolating us from friends and family.  Add to that, the uncertain and bitter political climate, and we find ourselves living inside a toxic mix that easily leads to negativity.

 God knew there would be times like this.  All through the centuries since Paul wrote those words to the Philippians at God’s bidding, people have suffered through challenging times.  Yet, God doesn’t want us to fall prey to the enemies push toward fearful, sorrowful, despairing, selfish thinking.  He offers us an alternative that’s a far better way.

 The two verses in Philippians that precede the “thinking happy thoughts” verse above, go like this:  “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God, and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus (4:6-7).

 Put these three verses together and you have a wonderful prescription for overcoming all of the negative junk swirling around us.  God's got this!  Let’s trust the loving heart of our Father and cling to His promise that He will replace our anxiety and confusion with peace and joy.  
           Ah, peace and joy – just what the doctor ordered (:

Note:  I saw this stain glass of our Lord as the good Shepherd in the First Congregational Church of Portland, in Oregon.