September 15 | Philippians 4:8-9
DAILY READING
REFLECTION
Put it into Practice
By Kim Starr
In this passage, God encourages us and gives us a practical plan to have His peace always with us. He tells us to make it a priority to focus on what is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praise worthy. This focus list can be used as a spiritual filter for our thoughts, to stop negative thinking, and to avoid “what if” scenarios.
Ultimately, we get to decide what deserves space in our minds. We can teach our minds to recognize the difference between thoughts that bring life and those that drain it. Deciding our mental focus instead of going wherever anxiety or distractions take us helps us choose which thoughts get to stay and which thoughts should leave. Pay attention to the thoughts that are entering your mind. Mindfully shut the door on destructive and negative thoughts.
Look at the attributes in the focus list. Choosing the thoughts that bring life is a form of spiritual strength that shapes who we are. When we practice using this focus list, we are teaching our minds to intentionally concentrate on thoughts that give us God’s peace. Learning to think in alignment with God’s focus list is a prescription for emotional steadiness. It is an active, ongoing decision about what we choose to allow to shape our thoughts. If we use God’s focus list, we can help stop our emotions and fears from spiraling. Instead, our thoughts will align with God’s peace, and not our fears.
As with anything, the more we practice and rehearse, the more what we are practicing becomes second nature. Having the arsenal of the focus list in our minds helps us discipline our thoughts and bring them under the influence of Christ. Attaining God’s peace deepens through practice. It grows stronger every time we live what we believe. God’s peace then becomes the natural byproduct of our faith.
PRAYER
Dear God, thank you for giving us the focus list that we can use to evaluate our thoughts so that we choose your peace on purpose. Give us the ability to memorize the focus list and put it into practice every day. We know this will take effort and discipline, but with your help and guidance, we can transform our minds. Amen.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Kim Starr
I have been a member of UALC since I was 2-years-old. Over my life I have participated in, and volunteered for, numerous ministries, programs, and activities, all of which have grown and strengthened my faith. I have been blessed beyond measure by not only being a part of this congregation, but also by being able to worship with three generations of my family.
Kim, thank you for the reminder today that we can assess every thought with God’s Word and choose to discipline our minds.
The training will produce fruit.
Beth V
Thank you for sharing...that is my favorite verse.