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| My favorite corner of the world early in the morning. |
I visited the home improvement store last week. I enjoyed the background music as I browsed the aisles. The cashier was listening, too, because as I checked out, she actually started singing the lyrics of the catchy tune that filled the airwaves.
Maybe that's when it got stuck in my head. I first noticed it as I waited at the traffic light. I was singing it in my mind. By the time I got to the grocery store, I was belting it outloud. It wasn't even a song I liked. That wasn't the end of it. It happened the next day, and the next. When I started writing this, it happened again.
Do you know what I mean? Haven't we all had songs stuck in our heads. We hear it on the radio in the car, or in church, or in the home improvement store, and at the most unexpected time, it plays over and over like a broken record. Unfortunately, negative thoughts, self-doubts, painful memories, and worry can get stuck in our heads as well. And like that song I was singing even though I didn't like it, those negative thoughts can play over and over again in our minds causing us to lose our peace.
For our mental and spiritual health, it's important that we control those negative thoughts. The apostle Paul has given us a simple list.
"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...and the God of peace shall be with you" Philippians 4:8-9 (KJV).
Could he have been any more direct? Paul said "think on these things". I like the promise he gives. The God of peace shall be with you.
Do you have a favorite Scripture that helps you overcome negative thinking?
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| Peace like a river |
Jesus said, "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you," John 14:27a.
If we applied Paul's "filter" to the things we watch on TV, read, look at on the Internet, etc., we would have to eliminate a large percentage of what we allow into our minds. . . and that would be a good thing!
ReplyDeleteI didn't think of that when I wrote this. You make a good point. If we could just trust Him enough to do that, we would have more of His peace that surpasses our human understanding. Thank you for sharing your thoughts Janet.
DeleteDEAREST ROSE,
ReplyDeleteThank you for this special post - we all need to be reminded to re turn our focus to the promises of our precious God. I cannot imagine trying to live my life without the promises and instruction of God. Light your candle - the KINGDOM OF HEAVEN IS NEAR. Of course living in Mexico I spend a lot of time on the internet checking the temperature of life in the United States...lately this seems to bring on much anxiety as I try to place myself into God's timeline...this is why your words today Rose are so important to me. Thank you for encouraging me to focus on the PEACE Jesus has provided for me in todays world.
XOXO
JULES
Thanks for sharing your thoughts Jules. There was a time this spring when for days I actually wrote in the palm of my hand the words "my peace I give you". I needed to keep the Lord's words that close as I went about my day in order to keep my focus on the true and lovely things. I'm lighting a candle.
ReplyDeleteLovely photos, Rose! And great thoughts to mull over. Yes, one of my faves is "God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind."
ReplyDeleteHappy weekend,
jen
Thanks for your comment. Yes, that verse is one of my favorites as well. It's a good one to remember every day. Blessings!
DeleteI love how you combine photos with scriptures!
ReplyDeleteI so enjoy spending time here to read words of encouragement, words that are sweeter than any piece of candy. Life is a blessing and I am truly reminded by your words and Bible verses posted here.
ReplyDeleteHI MARY - I am so happy to see you over here at Rose's wonderful sight. You are one of my favorite people and you can bring so much to this site. XOXO JULES
ReplyDeleteJule, thank you for your beautiful response to Rose . I read it and was encouraged to check it out. I loved it. Thanks for letting so many of us know about her site. Hugs Mary
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I hope you found this helpful. I love the Holy Bible and the wise advise that I find there. Please visit again and enjoy reading these devotions. God bless you.
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