Monday, November 9, 2009

Lovely Thoughts


“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”
 (Philippians 4:8).

Negative thinking affects my health. Upon waking in the morning, I am amazed at how many negative thoughts come to mind before I am even ready to meet the day! I may dwell on a difficult encounter with someone or on past hurts. I may be analyzing my pain and ability level for the day, remembering mornings when I bounded out of bed to walk, jog, or bike. This thinking pattern may stay with me throughout the day and can be a constant struggle.

Positive thoughts can also affect me. I can awaken praising God for the abilities I do have rather than those which I do not have. I can recall His constant faithfulness on other painful days, knowing His mercies are new every morning. I may think of an individual’s positive qualities rather than his faults. I can be thankful for opportunities to grow through difficult situations. These positive outlooks lift my spirits and cause me to dwell less on my pain.

As a believer I have many reasons to think positively. How easy it is for me to brush lightly over my eternal future and the gift of salvation when I am consumed with my current pain and struggles. God has given me many other blessings which I sometimes take for granted. I need to dwell on what I have rather than on what I lack.

My desire is to maintain a positive mental attitude throughout each day, regardless of my circumstances or pain. As I dwell on lovely thoughts, God’s loveliness will shine through me, and perhaps radiate to others. Let it be so today.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, may I take every thought captive, making it obedient to You. Help me to cast down anything that is not true to Your Word and to see Your loveliness in all things. Amen.


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