"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)
Perhaps your day began like mine. When I awoke, I thought about how
my body hurt and where - neck, low back, left leg - I took my usual
inventory. It was a restless night anyway, so I should have expected
it to continue into morning. After taking pain medication, I turned
on the news. I learned, after watching about murders, rapes,
political controversy and traffic jams, that today (October 15)
is "National Grouch Day". "No wonder!" I thought.
With frustration, I turned to my daily scripture reading in
Philippians Chapter 4. I quickly realized that it wasn't what was
wrong with the world and with me that was the problem, it was my
attitude.
Philippians 4:8 tells us to focus on what is "lovely, admirable,
excellent and praiseworthy" . As a person with chronic pain, it can
be difficult to focus on what's right, instead of what's wrong. It
truly takes conscious effort, especially when the pain and our lives
seem unbearable.
But God gives us His power and strength to deal with our difficulties
(II Corinthians 12:8-9) and He gives us love so great and deep and
perfect that we can be filled with it if we only seek it (Ephesians
3:16-19). Surely these are things that are excellent and worthy of
praise to reflect on often!
And with His perfect love, I can spread it to others - a kind word to
the widow next door; a heartfelt prayer for the little girl with
cancer; a card to the friend who had surgery. God gives us the
ability to change our thoughts to good, giving us things that He
would have us think on, even in the middle of difficulties. If we ask
Him, he will show us those ways to reach out to others with His love.
So may your day tomorrow begin differently if it began like mine did
today. "Rejoice in the Lord Always. Again I say
Rejoice!"(Philippians 4:4).
He Loves You!
Let us start there tomorrow!
I received this in my email and wanted to share....
Comments (7)
ah, leave it to you, I am learning that you give out a healthy dose of good perspective! Thanks!
@MommaOnTheMountain - glad you liked it....and it really hit me upside the head...LOL
Boy can I identify with that email. No, not with the chronic pain of the body but of the mind and emotions. That is where my mind has drifted lately...to the pain and stress of the times. But today I chose to put down on "paper" the truth. We have to constantly remind ourselves of the good stuff...the truth. I am amazed that where my mind goes...my body follows.
It ain't easy but it's so effective! I hope I do remember this as soon as I open my eyes tommorrow. He loves me, He loves you. That is a great place to start! Blessings to you~Dawne
Susan, thank you for sharing that! prayers that you will find joy in your day, and refreshment from Him. I am finding that the less time I spend in His Word, the harder it is to walk in the light. pretty obvious what the answer is, isn't it?!!!
I feel grouchy
I needed that...had a tougher day today. Sorry about your pain -- I wish I could take that away. I have my own "thorns" and today I was thinking about how wonderful it will be in heaven to NOT have any more thorns!!! ((( hugs ))) D
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