When you look at the picture of the beach above, what do you see? Gloom or beauty? Calm or worry? Problem or opportunity?
For the most part, I would say that the condition of my mind, my heart, largely affects how I see things. I have missed many blessings that have been sitting right in front of me, seeing them amiss, due to the state of my mind and heart. Has that ever happened to you?
Thankfully, God has given us Scripture to remind us not to be anxious about anything, “but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God” (Philippians 4:6 KJV).
The Apostle Paul, who wrote the book of Philippians from prison, continues on to encourage us with this:
And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. 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. Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.
Philippians 4:7-9 KJV
If we think that the Apostle Paul is a great example of someone who found peace in God despite his situation, let’s also take a look at Christ’s example:
Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Hebrews 12:2 KJV
As we fix our eyes on Jesus, we’ll find a peace that transcends our current situation. Only He is fully capable of giving us the wonderful peace that we need so that we can think on things that are lovely, true, honest, just, pure, and of good report… Trying to focus on the positive in our own strength can only get us so far. If we focus on Him, He is all of those (lovely, true, honest, just, pure, and of good report) all in One!
If we’re starting to see more gloom than beauty, more worry than calm, more problem than opportunity, perhaps it’s time to refocus–to focus on Him–to renew our minds so that that we “may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God” (Romans 12:2 KJV).
Take action: Take a moment to take a look at the canvas of your life. What do you see? Is it time to recalibrate your focus? If you’ve long been searching for peace and don’t know where to start, this page shows you how you can find eternal peace and security today.
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