Whatever we give attention to in our thoughts will influence the health of our mental stability, the prosperity of our soul, and the strength of our spirit. If we allow our mind to concentrate on discouraging thoughts and ones that bring fear to our soul, we will experience defeat and anxiety.
Yet, if we trust in the Lord and focus on His truth, we walk in His peace and joy (Philippians 4:8). We follow the Serenity Principle and change the things in our power to change, and relinquish control of everything else to God’s amazing grace.
As human beings we are bombarded with daily fearful thoughts and situations. We fear shame, bullying, abuse, humiliation, deprivation, alienation, loss, grief, illness, death, etc. These negative thoughts and emotions can make us ill mentally and physically.
Our only hope is to trade these negative thoughts with positive ones from God’s Word (1 Peter 2:12; 1 Timothy 4:12; Philippians 4:8). Positive thoughts, words, and actions are as sweet to our soul as honey is to our lips, and they are healing to our bones (Proverbs 16:24).
When we focus on God’s Word, the verses are precious to us and cover every subject we will ever face (Psalm 139:17). It renews the spirit of our mind (Ephesians 4:23). When our soul is joyful, it affects us spiritually, physically, mentally, emotionally and in every way (Proverbs 17:22; Matthew 6:22).
As we delight in the precepts of the Lord, and meditate on His scriptures each day, Christ will raise us up to the right hand of God (Psalm 1:2; Colossians 3:1). We will sit with Him in heavenly places and rejoice in His presence forevermore (Ephesians 2:6-9).
Prayer:
Father God, help us to rejoice in the hope that You give, to persevere during trying times, and devote our life to communicating with You in prayer each moment of our day (Romans 12:12). Shower the unbelieving world with Your kindness so they will be led by Your benevolence to repent of their sinful ways and submit to Your purpose for their life instead (Romans 2:4).
In You there is no darkness at all (1 John 1:5), and negative thoughts and emotions cannot dominate any mind that is focused only on You and Your plans for our life (Isaiah 26:3). Thank You for providing us with eternal life through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ (1 John 5:13). We love and appreciate all that You are as well as all that You do for us.
Thoughts for the Day:
God sanctifies our soul until we mirror the divine nature of Christ through the fruit of His Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, gentleness, goodness, meekness, self-control, and faith. When we do not seek our own will, but the will of God for our life, we are blessed, because we rely only on His direction within us.
- Galatians 5:22-23; John 5:30
