Sunday, March 9, 2014

Think On These Things

There is an inner longing in us, I think placed there by God, to be comforted. It is what drives the newborn to the mother, young children to their mother and father, and the husbands and wives to hold one another in a storm. It is that same drive that we can use to help us find ourpath to God, and to learn to walk in His ways. I read this morning a scripture that for the first time seemed to be saying these very things to me.

Philippians 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.
5 Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.
6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Here Paul is encouraging the Philippians to seek God as moderate people. He encourages them, and us, to ask God for anything we need. When we do these things, the peace that passes all understanding, the comfort we are meant to seek, will be in our hearts and minds. What I find interesting is what he said next, after he points to the comfort we all seek.

8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
9 Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.

Here Paul is telling us to seek only the good things, to think on them, and then do them. This is the path to the ways of God. Paul then closes again with the reference to the comfort we will find, the peace of God.

It can be challenging, but if we will do all we can to call out to God with praise, and try to focus our thoughts and resulting actions on only the good, we can receive comfort. God wants it for us, and we need it from our Dad.

Prayer
Father, we praise and exalt You as the Most High. Thank You for all You are to and for us. Help us to think and do the good things that You would have us think and do. Help us find Your ways, and walk in them. We love You. Please give us today our healing, deliverance, and provision. In Jesus’ (Yeshua’s) name. Amen.