What Are You Thinking?

Philippians 4:8
Finally, brethren, 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. (NKJV)

Here we are at the beginning of another year. It is hard to believe that it is already 2012. It seems the time goes faster each year. Many of us, as we start fresh in a new year, make a "resolution" to do better in one area or another. I suppose there is no harm in trying to do better in something; however, maybe our focus ought to be more like, "Lord, what would YOU have me to do this year? How would YOU like me to change? What area do YOU want me to improve in?" As Christians, our desire ought to be God's desire. We live in a world that is so focused on pleasing self. As we begin this year, how can we be sure our focus and our thoughts are what God would want from us?

Well, this verse from Philippians tells us the things that God wants us to focus on (or think and meditate upon). We can choose to stress and worry about the things we have no control over. We can be concerned over what this year may hold for us; OR we can choose to trust the Lord, and meditate on the things He wants us to. Things that are True, Noble, Just, Pure, Lovely, Good report, Virtuous, Praiseworthy...I don't see anything negative in that list, do you? God has GOOD things in store for His children if we will just trust Him, and walk in His ways. (Now, that doesn't mean that He will not allow things to happen in our lives.) That DOES mean though, that He will be with you through those things and will use them to strengthen you.

Allowing our thoughts to dwell on the negative things will only drag us down.
Let's focus on those things this year that are praiseworthy. The Lord has done so much for us, that we could never praise Him enough. When you find yourself beginning to focus on the negative, grab your Bible and read this verse! We have the JOY of the Lord as our strength! Let's act like it! :0)