I realized this morning that I was guilty of trying to stand on Philippians 4:6-7 without “completing the loop”…
6Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Nothing at all wrong with these verses; that’s definitely not what I’m trying to say, BUT, the thought doesn’t end there. I usually use these verses as ammo to remind myself that I’m not built for carrying the weight of my own problems and to be still. The problem with that practice is that it’s only a defensive approach. And at the end of Philippians 4:8, we’re instructed to think on certain things…
Phil 4:8 KJV Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
The word for “think” here, logizomai, suggests that I am to make the things mentioned above “subjects of thoughtful consideration”, or that I am to “carefully reflect” on them. Sounds more like an offensive move right? That’s what God showed me today. It’s not enough to keep evaluating thoughts and 2Cor 10:5ing them:
5We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.
I’d better be making some offensive moves. That includes purposefully thinking about things I know meet the criteria outlined in Phil 4:8! See the difference between the “don’t think about that” approach instead of the “I’m going to think about this!” approach?! I finally did this morning.
More to come.
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Purposeful thinking is so important! Thanks for this reminder. I’ve also benefited from the idea of “filtering” thoughts. There is a huge danger in just letting ourselves think on whatever thought happens to occupy our attention at a given moment. Like you said, there are two parts to it: we need to reject the negative thoughts that trap us in a downward spiral of thought, and then replace those thoughts with positive and uplifting ones.
Good thoughts, and thanks for sharing!!
Thank you so much for this posting, Sunday night I was hit with a figuative bombshell that caught me entirely off guard. The ramifications of this caused me to be inable to complete assignments and resulted in a restless night; forcing my Monday to be rough in general. The situation before me is extremely rough and now of the option seem desirable, some less than others. While I recognize that prayer is important and the work of the Lord is essential to untangling this mess if I refuse to praise him in this time, choice to pretend it’s not happening, or just wait for “the genie” to make it instantly better than i’ve learned nothing from this life lesson and furthermore refused to act upon the will of the Lord. Thank you.
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