In the craziness of our world today what is uppermost in your thoughts? What occupies or exercises your mind the most? For some, maybe many, it will be COVID....and when will it ever end? For others it will be your health struggles and keeping track of your medical appointments. You may be wondering how to 'make ends meet' this week and the stress of dealing with the needs of your family. Again, it could be the pain of what is going on in your family that you are helpless to fix.
Yes, there are many things that preoccupy us and cause us distress. It is good to take stock of what we are thinking because our thoughts affect our mental health, our relationships, our actions and reactions. There are many 'gurus' who have advice to give on this subject and some is good, but the best advice we can take is from the "handbook on life and living' AKA The Bible.
Paul writes to the Philippians, "Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honourable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise." (4:8)...in other words, think happy thoughts. That's easier said than done, you might be thinking. That is true, but there's a reason for these wise words, and the reason is they are to do you good. Paul goes on to tell the result.... peace of mind, and that's unarguably what we all want.
Grab a Bible, from your bookshelf or go online. Read Philippians 4:4-9 and then try doing it. I promise you that it works. If that's too hard right now, just look around you at the flowers, the birds, the amazing night sky, the intricacy of an insect, and be thankful to the One who gave us such beauty to enjoy.
Do yourself a favour, make a mental shift today and turn your eyes from things you cannot change, to the One who can change you, the only One who can give you lasting peace in the midst of chaos, Jesus Christ.
Prayer: Lord, you know my struggles, my fears, my tears. Help me today to fix my thoughts on the things that will bring me peace and joy. Help me to commit to You the things I cannot change. Amen
