Devotional: Something to Think About

Philippians 4:8

On most days my wife and I watch the local and national news on the ABC affiliate here in Nashville. Sometimes I find the news distressing because it seems that most of the stories paint a grim picture of life. However, at the end of the national news there are often stories that uplift the spirit and give hope for the future. The “America Strong” segment tells stories about how someone individually or as a group has done something to overcome a difficulty in their life. It may report on how someone has done something to make a significant contribution to make life better in their community. The “Person of the Week” segment reports the contribution of an individual person who has done something to make a positive contribution to someone’s life. I really enjoy these stories of kindness and service on behalf of someone else. These stories remind me that although life has its cloudy days, it also has its sunny days.

In Philippians 3:8 Paul instructs the church to think about the good provisions that God makes available to them. They can enjoy peace with God and other people if they keep their minds on positive things. He writes, “Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if there is worth of praise, dwell on these things” (NASB). What we think becomes our actions. Our actions become habits. Our habits become our way of life. Think about the positive things in your life.

Prayer: Father in heaven we thank you for the good things that we experience in life. We know that all good things come from you. It is my prayer that we think about you and your goodness. Amen.