"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things." Philippians 4:8 ESV
Do you ever have one of those days when nothing seems to go right? From the time your feet hit the floor, you just feel cranky? You are in a funk, and everything you hear and experience reaffirms this is going to be a challenging day. My mother used to ask if I had "gotten up on the wrong side of the bed." On those days, Satan throws everything at us he can to keep us off-balance and direct our attention anywhere but on God. Satan will put every false, dishonorable, unjust, impure, ugly, uncommendable thought our minds that he can, for nothing, delights him more than for us to be unhappy and disagreeable.
In these beautiful words of instruction and encouragement of today's scripture, we find a remedy for those days. The best spiritual tool you can use is to begin the day centering yourself in God. Spend some quality one-on-one time in study, meditation, and prayer. Let the Holy Spirit direct your thoughts towards what is right, honorable, pure, lovely, and commendable—focusing on what is excellent and worthy. Like some prescriptions, we may need to "repeat as necessary" throughout the day. Through God's grace, we can prevail, for he has blessed us with the ever-present gift of the Holy Spirit to lead and guide us.
Our compassionate and loving Father. We come today with our thanks and praise. We are grateful for your unfailing grace and the gift of the Holy Spirit. Please help us this day to remember when the evil one begins to fill our minds with wrong thoughts, and we only need to turn to you. We know that in you we will find the peace and calm, to soothe our troubled spirits. In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.
Blessings!
Pastor Tim
