The Lord taught me several lessons last year, but I think the one that stands at the top is to be more aware of what I think about.
I can watch the daily news and let it fill my mind with turmoil, chaos, and confusion. Or I can keep my mind focused on God and His Word and let it fill me with His love, peace, and joy.
I’m not talking about putting my head in the sand. I’m talking about controlling my thoughts.
“Bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:5 NKJV).
I capture my thoughts and measure them against God’s Word. If it doesn’t line up with the Word, I toss out that thought.
Joshua 1:8 tells us to meditate (ponder) on God’s Word. Doing so makes our way prosperous.
“This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success” (NKJV).
What we think about matters! Because those thoughts impact our behavior.
A verse that supports this is 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).
God loves us.
He takes care of us.
No matter what we’re facing, He’s there with us and will bring us through.
When we keep our thoughts focused on God, we’ll have the confidence we need to face any troubles that come our way.
“Fear not; for I am with you; be not dismayed; for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10 NKJV).
Let us practice daily—every minute of the day if needed—the advice of Isaiah 26:3.
“You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You” (NKJV).
Are you focused on your troubles or focused on God, the One who can help you get through them?