Whatever things…

Anyone else have a tough week so far? Just me? 

Work was busy with situations that were messy and troublesome. Loved ones are in the midst of situations that are difficult to navigate. Friends were faced with unexpected trials and hardship. It felt like every knock on the office door, every text, every social media post, every conversation added an additional weight on my shoulders. 

The running narrative in my mind was anything but God honoring this week. 

“What a bad day it was.”  “I’m so worried about…” “This is never going to get better.” “I can’t believe I have to deal with this.” “That person is a real jerk.” “What is wrong with people?!” 

Each day I ruminated over and over on the problems, concerns and ugliness of the week. I honestly don’t  remember the last time I sighed as loudly and as often as I did these past few days!  

Yet, God in His faithfulness brought to recall Philippians 4:8 

"Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things." (KJV)

“Think on these things” 

Those ‘things’ were certainly not the thoughts I had parked my mind on. 

As I repented, I began to reframe my thoughts to those that would be pleasing to Jesus. 

“Lord you are the Truth, so I ask that you provide me with wisdom.” “God, You are Sovereign.” “You have created each and every person I’ve interacted with this week in your image and you love them more than I can even begin to imagine. Help me to love them.”  “Jesus, you are so faithful.” 

As my thoughts changed, so did my outlook.The circumstances remained the same, but the peace of Christ filled my heart. 

For Reflection: 

What thoughts are you ruminating on today?  Are they causing your heart to be troubled or to be full of life?