Monday, December 22, 2014

Philippians 4:8-9 -- On Positivity and Peace

"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.
Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you."
Philippians 4:8-9


I think this is a perfect recipe for peace.  Truth, honesty, justice, purity, beauty, goodness, virtue, praise.  Paul is telling us to think about the positive, and focus on the good.  And sometimes we think that is naive or simple, but maybe it is actually wise.  We let ourselves get distracted and overwhelmed with the negative sometimes, and we can rarely actually do something about it.  Often it is just worry about the unknown.  There is always hope in the midst of despair and beauty ready to rise from the ashes.  Sometimes we just have to remove the distractions and calm our worries, and there it is, waiting for us, right in front of us.  God had the power to calm the storm when his disciples thought they were going to perish, and he has that same power over the storms of worry and heartache in our lives.  If we do as he asks, and focus on the good, and the beautiful, and the pure, not only will we see amazing things, and welcome God into our lives, but we will find that elusive peace that we want so much.
Today, let's remember to look for and think about the good parts of life, and let's seek the peace that God offers us.

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