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
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