January 17
"Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice...Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things...and the God of peace will be with you." -Paul in Philippians 4:4-9 (NRSV)
Our attitudes affect our whole personality and color our entire life. We can't always choose what happens to us, but we can choose our attitudes in life. The secret to happiness is filling our thoughts with attitudes that are true, pure, and good, with thoughts dwelling on positive things in life. This was Paul's secret as he faced imprisonment, and it can be yours whenever you face struggles or difficult circumstances in the challenges of daily life. Assess your attitudes, examine what you allow to enter your thoughts, and then realize what you dwell on. You may need to make changes. Just like cooking, ingredients we use determine if the final product is good or bad. What we put in our minds creates what comes out in mood, words, and actions. Paul says to fill our mind with thoughts that are true, good, honorable, just, pure, pleasing, commendable, excellent, and praiseworthy. If you have problems with negativity, fear, or anxiety then explore what you are putting in your soul through Facebook, TV, internet, books, conversations, and movies.
Try replacing harmful input with positive input. The best cure is reading God's Word, praying, and focusing on what is positive, good, and pure. With practice, you can be successful in eliminating toxics input and stop worrying! It might impossible but we all worry. Today's text shows you the secret of how to turn worries into prayers. If you want to worry less, pray more! Whenever you start to be anxious, pause. Then stop it, drop it, and pray it through. Then God's peace can guard your heart against all anxiety.
Prayer: Lord, Remove any anxious thoughts now. Amen.
Meditation For The Day: God's peace is greater than any anxiety.
Brief Devotions For Busy Lives: Daily Winter Renewal Paperback – November 25, 2017, by Rev. Dr. Mary Johnson (Author)
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