Directing Your Thoughts

The following is an e-mail from my mom to her daughters this morning. Mom is so wise! So in love with the Lord!

Philippians 4:8 encourages us to direct our thinking. It says, "And now, dear brothers and sisters, let me say one more thing as I close this letter. fix your thoughts on what is true and honorable and right. Think about things that are pure and lovely and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise."

Directing our thoughts is difficult at times. When we are surrounded by the negativity of this world, when our circumstances are effected by the frustrations of others, when we are fearful or angry or worried, directing our thoughts can be a challenge. Yet God knew we would have times like this and tells us to think about that which is admirable, honorable, and worthy of praise. This takes effort! Directing our thinking is not denying the challenge that is before us, we acknowledge it before God. We are simply choosing; however, to change our thoughts to that which is worthy.

In doing so we are reminded of His great and infinite love for us. His mercy and grace are ever-surrounding and enveloping. There are may be times when we feel that we do not have the energy to ask God to help us direct our thoughts. Let's trust Him that because He knows and sees all things that He will see our need and bring someone or something our way to remind us. Perhaps in His mercy, He will simply change our thoughts through the smile of another.