How I use the scriptures to maintain a positive mindset.
Unfortunately, we all have those days, when we feel a bad attitude rising to the surface. This year, I decided to say NO to the madness! Regardless of where I am or what I’m doing, I stop and take a deep breath. Then I tell myself that I choose JOY. In that moment I know that Christ is with me and He will restore my joy.
One of my favorite scripture to focus on when this happens 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.
So then I ask myself, in my life right now
What is true? I consider God’s truth – I am wonderfully made for His divine purpose!
What is noble? I consider qualities like integrity, sincerity, and honesty. How have I recently displayed any of these qualities?
What is right?: I consider acts of fairness and righteousness. What acts of kindness have I displayed or witnessed?
What is pure? I consider purity in thought, heart, and action. Have I helped or checked on anyone in my community lately?
What is lovely? I reflect on something beautiful. (Beautiful scenery, a butterfly, a painting, etc.)
What is admirable or excellent? I consider commendable actions and attributes. (A recent good news story. or a good movie where the good character wins)
If there is anything worthy of praise: I consider God’s faithfulness. It’s by His grace and mercy, that I’m still here!
Why do I do this?
- To align my thoughts with God’s will: By filling my mind with these things, I can adopt the mind of Christ and move away from worldly or sinful thoughts.
- To achieve inner peace: Focusing on positive thoughts brings God’s peace, because dwelling on problems or negative things disrupts my peace.
- To control my thought life: The scriptures encourage us to actively choose and control our thoughts, replacing negative ones with positive, uplifting ideas.
- As a path to spiritual growth: The practice of thinking on these things can help in spiritual warfare and lead to a better understanding of God’s character, which improves mine. This task may seem odd or silly to you but it definitely helps me to stay on track. Honestly, by the time I’m done asking and answering the questions, I have forgotten all about the negative things that were brewing inside of me.
Here’s a prayer that I would like to share with you:
Lord our God and our Father, we thank you for all the light you let shine on earth to gladden our hearts. Your light shows us how to live in your creation with open eyes and open hearts, accepting in a childlike way all the good gifts from your hand. How much good you send to many sorrowful hearts, and how much strengthening to those in weakness, poverty, and sickness! Grant that we may recognize what comes from you, that we are not cast down in spirit but mount up again and again on wings like eagles. May we learn to say at all times, “Through how much need has not our merciful God spread out his wings to protect us!” In the mighty name of Jesus Christ, my savior, Amen.
This has been a game changer for me so I’m delighted to share this with you. I challenge you to try this and let me know what happens. I’m also curious about what things you find are noble, pure, true and lovely.
If you got something out of today’s post, please share it with others so we all continue to grow!
Join me in discovering practical ways to apply the power of God’s Word to our everyday life!