What do you think about? What occupies a significant part of your time? Is it the tasks at your job? Is it the wellbeing of your children? Is it wondering how you will pay the bills this month? Do you allow thoughts of this world to overcome your ability to think about God?
We have many things on our minds. If you are like me, your brain never shuts down. Honestly, I must read what I call a brain candy book for a bit when I go to bed so I can go to sleep. Otherwise, my brain continues to think about all that didn’t get done that day or what’s going to happen next.
The Apostle Paul tells us what we should be thinking about. Take a look at his list. We are to think about what is true, honorable, just, pure, pleasing, commendable, excellence, and worthy of praise. Paul is telling us to focus on God. Jesus is truth. He is honorable. God is just. Jesus is pure, and we can be, too. Focus on what pleases God. Do those things that God has placed before so you will be the faithful servant. Whatever you are doing, do it for God. Praise God and seek to do his will.
Folks, it sounds like a tall task, and it is. However, we can do it. We start by taking the first step. After that, we take the next step. We work at following Paul’s advice to focus ourselves on Jesus Christ and God the Father by taking one step at a time. As we take those steps, we will notice our fear, anxiety, worry, and frustration will dissipate. It won’t happen all at once. But if we start now, we will be able to look back five years from now and see a significant difference in how we are living our lives and our mental health.
I pray we all recognize what is taking the preponderance of our time. I pray we choose to focus our attention on Jesus. I pray each one of us will begin taking steps to better our lives in Christ. Recognize what thoughts take up most of your time. Choose to focus on Jesus. Take steps to better your life.
Philippians 4:8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
