think about such things

"Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things." Philippians 4:8

Have you ever gotten a troublesome or nasty thought in your head that you just can't shake? Has the thought ever been so nagging or constant that it's caused you anxiety? Most of us would have to answer yes to those questions. Face it, there's a lot in this world to be concerned with. With the threat of ISIS, Ebola and natural distasters, there's no shortage of things that might cause a person to be anxious - and that's just thinking about the present things. Many of us have things from our past that we can't seem to rid our mind of as well...things for which we have been forgiven by God but have never forgiven ourselves. And the future? That's another worrisome thought right?

Picture your mind as a crystal clear glass of water. Refreshing right? Now add just a few drops of black food coloring and what do you have? The water isn't so pretty any more is it? This is what happens when sin and evil invade our life and our mind. Unfortunately, none of us are immune to it. A few bad thoughts can really ruin the way we think and cause anxiety, panic and even depression. But, just as you can't remove the food coloring unless you keep adding fresh water over and over, you can't remove those thoughts unless you keep filling your mind over and over with "whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable" things. That will take a lot of positive thinking won't it?!! Praise God, there's a place you can find those "excellent or praiseworthy" things you should be filling your mind with... the bible.

Hebrews 13:6 tells us, "So we can confidently say, “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?” and John 14:27 says, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid." By replacing our negative thoughts with Truth, we can find peace and keep our minds crystal clear. Just keep pouring in the Word and leave no room for anything else. The Psalmist wrote, "You are my refuge and shield; I have put my hope in your word." 119:14. Where your hope is, your thoughts are bound to follow. Where is your hope?

Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of your Word. May we meditate on it day and night. May your Word be a shield to our minds and may it give us the peace we so desire. When we get anxious Lord, remind us that you have already won the battle. Heaven is ours so long as we continue to follow you. May our minds constantly think about these excellent and praiseworthy things. In your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!!!

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Keeping my mind - Fred Hammond

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x0asNxUj6yw