With God there’s always hope. Because He’s God. Nothing down here can steal His power or negate His character. He will forever be the God who does the impossible — which always hinders my pity parties.
We can’t believe God to be who He’s revealed Himself to be and stay down in the pit too long. We can’t believe that He does (and will do) wildly redemptive things while also wallowing in the blech of life. You have experienced blech, right?
Though it will be a battle. Each day we have to diligently, purposefully think on what’s true and lovely and noble and good. Because what’s heartbreaking and earth shattering and life changing wants to take charge of our heart meditations, like a two-year-old throwing a temper-tantrum.
But in Christ we have choice as to what we meditate upon.
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
Philippians 4:8
I know I go back here often, but our moment-by-moment meditations affect everything. They affect our mood and our response. They affect what our face does and where our feet go. They affect whether or not we experience hope.
It’s easy to follow behind all the wrongs done to us and think on revenge. Or to hear statistics and think on impossibility. That comes naturally.
But Jesus died for more.
He died and rose to free us — to give us choice. The Father sent His very own Spirit to indwell us so that we don’t have to lay down under what seems like a hopeless scenario. In whatever mess comes today, we still have the choice to think on true things.
Fill me, Lord…
What are you choosing to meditate upon today…regardless?
For those memorizing the Sermon on the Mount with me, this is breather week. Woo to the hoo. Praying it’s productive, sweet friends.
Today, I’m focusing on part of one of the verses I read this morning in 1 Peter, on the grace and peace that God gives us in abundance. I love that last bit “in abundance”. Not only does He give us grace and peace, He gives it to us IN ABUNDANCE. With the worries of life and the bittersweetness of preparing to send my oldest off to school for the first time tomorrow, I need to remember the grace and peace He always provides. Thanks for the reminder to focus on those better things.
“Abundance”! Yes. Praying you remember what’s true today — especially with the upcoming life changes.
Perfectly timed post for me! Junk, family, junk has caused my words to fly more harsh than I like. When the words slip out, immediately the Holy Spirit speaks into me. My awareness through His prompting coupled with your post is speaking loud and clear to me. I must choose the “good” word, thought and deed above my feelings.
Thank you, my friend!
Seriously. I know what you mean. I was preaching to myself today in this post. Choosing to think on true things. xoxo
Amen! Preach it, believe it. There is Hope, only by His grace. Love you.