| Philippians 4:8 – “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.” |
What types of things do we fill our minds with each day? What TV shows, YouTube videos, music or audio books do we listen to? What conversations do we participate in? What do we say to ourselves when we are all alone?
When I was a little girl living on a farm in Iowa, we always had a barn full of cats to help chase the mice and keep us kids entertained. I loved cats, especially my black and white cat Spotty. He was a great cat who loved to cuddle and play. He was eternally patient when I dressed him in doll clothes and pushed him around in a buggy, but one day something scared him, and he managed to leave me with a huge deep scratch that went from my elbow to my wrist. My mother washed it and applied antibiotic ointment, but I continued to cry and complain about how much it hurt. She finally asked me more about the pain, and I said, “When I look at it, it hurts!” “So, don’t look at it!” she replied. Her answer surprised me a bit, but I soon realized that when I stopped thinking about it and staring at it, it did not hurt so badly. Instead, I was able to focus on other things and go back to playing without crying or pain.
It is the same now that we are adults. Filling our minds with violent images or inappropriate language, participating in conversations involving gossip, or dwelling on negative circumstances beyond our control will limit the beautiful things that God wants to fill us with instead.
Prayer: Lord, help us to remember to focus our thoughts on you and the blessings you have given us. You created this amazing planet and all the plants and animals who live here. You loved us enough to send your Son to save us from an eternity separated from you. You want to fill our lives with joy and peace. Help us to think on these things. Amen
Betty Gossell
