"Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy--meditate on these things." NKJV
I just had a thought this afternoon about this verse and how it might relate to worry and news reports. I have a tendency to obsess about some things, like the government taking over everything and like my health. (Confession: I think the bottom line is that I treasure my personal safety and comfort.) How does this verse affect how I view these things? I'm not sure I have an answer yet. I think some of the things I think about are true and just, but not lovely or of good report. Maybe the key word is meditate. My meditating is probably more in line with worry. Of course, worry is a sin no matter which way you look at it, so worrying about anything is wrong. In fact, Philippians 4:6, 7 speaks to that. When I listen to a news report I find frightening what do I do? Do I meditate on it with fear? That's usually what I do, but God through His grace turns me back to Him. You know, He's constantly having to do that. One thing I've noticed is that if I don't keep His word ever before me then I get to a near panic state sometimes. I should also add that just because I meditate on His word and have His peace does not mean that my personal safety and comfort will not be compromised. Just thinking about that gets me to fretting again...I better be off to His word.
2 comments:
It always amazes me that Peter and John were glad to be beaten for preaching the Word because it allowed them to suffer as Jesus did. Now that is peace.
You are not alone in this. I could have written this post as easily as you. I, too, have found that meditating on His Word is a must if I am to keep from slipping into despondency or fear (especially for our children's future). How great it is to have a constant God in a world full of variables!
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