During the Lent season (and hopefully way beyond), I’ve given up negativity. Well, let’s say I’m at least trying to give up negativity. It definitely has a way of sneaking back in.
I’m claiming this beautiful verse “Whatever is right, whatever is noble, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things.” ~ Philippians 4:8. In fact, most days I find that I’m saying it over and over in my mind.
Although, in general I’m a positive person, I have realized how easy it is to allow my thoughts to be taken captive by leaning to the negative. How we interpret situations, things that are said, even people themselves can drastically change when this verse is applied. I’m convinced that Satan starts with our thoughts. If he can twist them in such a way over and over in our minds, eventually those thoughts come out in our words and our actions.
The real key to this more positive and Christ centered approach is to spend time each day with our Savior in prayer and Bible study. Allowing Him to take over our stubborn hearts and fill our minds with His goodness. To keep our focus centered on Him.
If what is filling our minds doesn’t fit into these categories (true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, or praiseworthy), then we need to surrender those thoughts to the Lord.
My precious dog Emma has a morning routine. When she wakes up, she finds me wherever I am in the house. She wants me to pet her and talk to her and hug her for a few minutes and then she’s good to go for the day. I guess it gives her reassurance and love to start out the day. That is exactly how special my time is each morning with Christ. And when I don’t have that sacred time with Him, my thoughts, my words, and even my actions don’t reflect His amazing love.
My prayer is that as followers of Christ, we seek Him each day. That we allow Him to transform our hearts, take captive our thoughts, fill us with His everlasting love, and give us an overwhelming desire to share with those He places in our paths.
