Your Choice

The evil that men do lives after them; the good is oft interred with their bones.

—William Shakespeare

What is bad in this life seems to be remembered so easily. The mind often dwells on what discourages instead of what edifies. And what is good is soon forgotten. “Fix your thoughts on what is true,” Paul writes, “and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you” (Philippians 4:8-9 NIV).

Do you allow your mind to run rampant with thoughts which hinder instead of thoughts which inspire hope? You have no peace when you choose to dwell on negative things instead of things that are honorable, pure, and admirable. “Practice His presence” Paul encourages. “Add this in your life, choose this attitude, allow Him to capture your thoughts, put on the mind of Christ,” Paul insists throughout his letters. If you will fix your thoughts on God’s goodness and faithfulness instead of things which bring discouragement, fear, hurt, anger, and bitterness, you will encourage yourself in your dry valley. When you think of what is forgiving, hopeful and uplifting, you speak life to the darkness which so often consumes the mind.

Choose to think as God has instructed in His Word. Choose to believe the promise He has imparted. Choose to remain faithful in thought and action. Continually choose to put on His mind—to seek His wisdom and understanding—until His thoughts are yours and are unconsciously rendered—until His truth becomes your life instead of the enemy’s lies. And you will be transformed in the way that you think. The Spirit which guards your mind will be His. His joy will be your banner, and His peace will protect your mind. The evil will be forgotten, and His goodness will reign in your heart.

© 2017 Lynn Lacher