Philippians 4:8-9 NLT
And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me— everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you.
I struggled with this for many years.
I was always looking for the “new” and “improved” way of doing things.
The problem is, we don’t need “new” and “improved,” we need to put into practice the proven way that works.
For me, the problem I had was that I wanted everything I wanted, NOW. I didn’t want to wait; I wanted what I wanted, and I wanted it now.
And I wanted it without change happening in me, but I wanted it by the circumstances and people around me to change for me to get what I wanted.
This thinking was flawed beyond belief.
I had no peace.
I had no joy.
When I started to “stand firm” in faith while focusing on the “thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable,” I started to find peace and joy.
And this feeling happens when things are good, and with an intentional effort to focus on the things to come when in adverse circumstances, I find joy and peace there as well.
We’re not always going to “feel” peaceful when things are going wrong, but when we focus on the promises of God, we can attain peace and joy.
1 Corinthians 9:27 NLT
I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NLT
Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.
Heavenly Father, I thank You for Your promise.
I know that the challenges that I face are there to help me grow in my faith in Jesus Christ.
Thank You for the people in my life, and I pray that I glorify You by serving them.
In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray, Amen!! 🙏❤️
