Philippians 4:8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things.
I'm not sure I'm always thinking "about such things". I find myself wasting my time on things that are not excellent or praiseworthy. Lately, I've caught myself thinking about things from the past that still have sting. I've been spending time in prayer with God about this, as I don't want to spend my time in thoughts that are over. It's amazing to me how easily I find myself sliding right back into those thought patterns though replaying all of the things that transpired. I spoke with God about that today, asking Him what it is that causes me to struggle and think back on these things at this point. I am happy where I am today. God has done huge work in my physical, emotional, and spiritual self and I have deeper joy now than I've ever had. And yet, my mind draws back to the former things. This verse is a great reminder to ask God to train my brain. I have started to seek Him when those former thoughts come to mind, and He definitely falls under all of the topics Paul lists here. It's not easy to move beyond our past, even when we have moved beyond our past. Satan is quick to pull it out whenever he can. Dad has been putting a particular quote from the Matthew Henry Commentary on Ezra 3:8-13 in his sermon series and it is now a pic on my phone screen saver. It's perfect for what I'm dealing with in my thoughts these days. "Let not the remembrance of former afflictions drown the sense of present mercies." Amen!
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