Happy Sunday, darlings!
This morning as I was preparing for a day of children’s church, worship, and other Sunday activities, I was plagued with the remnants of a very disturbing and upsetting dream. Not a nightmare, just something that really bugged me. And as I’m sure you’ve experienced before, when stuff like that grabs a hold of you, it’s insanely hard to shake it off. I knew I couldn’t go about my day with that hanging over my head, so as soon as I pulled in the church parking lot, I grabbed my Bible looking for some inspiration.
“Finally, [sisters], whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things” {Philippians 4:8, KJV}.
I didn’t know what I was looking for, but all of a sudden it was there, and I was reminded of my favorite scripture and why it has been my favorite for such a long time.”Finally, [sisters], whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things” {Philippians 4:8, KJV}. It may sound ridiculous, but after reading those beautiful words, I felt instantly inspired. I felt like my purpose was renewed with such intention that nothing could touch me. To celebrate, I took a tea selfie with my lovely Starbucks cup and promptly posted it to Instagram with the verse!
Personally, I don’t like negativity; I want life to be a beautiful, perfect experience! Yet sometimes it’s hard to see past what current, difficult circumstances may bring to us. Honestly, sometimes it’s difficult for me to overcome the challenges and thoughts of this or that and the blah blah blah of yada yada. But this verse continually reminds me that even God desires for us to live in such a way that creates a positively charged atmosphere; He desires for us to think on things that bring Him praise and glory.
So, dear reader, don’t be discouraged. When you’re feeling down, when you’re disappointed, when life is less than ideal, think on what is lovely, on what is good. Do not let yourself dwell on those things that bring a sense of discouragement and hopelessness; rather, be inspired by the good things that God does every day in you, through you, around you, and for you.
God has called us to this world for this time, for a specific purpose.
He has called you! He has a plan for your life, something that only you can do because you are a unique individual. I don’t mean to sound preachy or bossy in any way, but I have dreams for you and I want you to succeed. Even more than what I want for you though is what God wants for you: “I’ll show up and take care of you as I promised…I know what I’m doing. I have it all planned out — plans to take care of you, not to abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for” {Jeremiah 29:11, The Message}.
So, darling, when life seems to leave you empty handed, when your dreams are shattered, when your hopes are dashed, when you can’t find the sunshine or any beauty because of the pain, rest assured that God does indeed have plans for you, plans that are, in fact, even greater than you could ever imagine for yourself. And when you’ve reminded yourself of that, find something wonderful to think about: something that will restore hope, peace, and joy into your life.
Think on these things.