Journal Entry ~ 07/15/19

Unless the LORD builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain.  It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil; for he gives to his beloved sleep.  - Psalm 127:1-2

He gives to his beloved sleep - what a peaceful thought. He gives rest to those He loves. I don’t know about you, but I could use some rest from my anxious thoughts today. Coming from yet another appointment for my son with more difficult news, I could use some rest from the thoughts about his future that plague my mind. 

Thankfully, He has me in exactly the scripture I need to be in this week. He knows our hearts so well, He knows where our temptations lie and knows the words we need to hear to bring the rest He offers. So now I’m working on harvesting the seed instead of eating it. I want apply His Word to my anxious heart and find His peace. 

6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.8 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 4:6-8

We are told over and over in scripture not to be anxious, and to capture our thinking. He tells us to pray and to be thankful as a way to battle those anxious thoughts, but He also tells us what to fill our minds with when we capture those thoughts - 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. These are the things we are to think about. If your thoughts don’t fall into one of these categories, you have to choose to replace them. 

Toxic thoughts leave no room for truth to flourish. And in the absence of truth, lies reign. Far too often, our anxious thoughts seem to have a life of their own. They wander around in our minds and choke off the truth with darkness. 

God calls us to be intentional and selective about our thoughts. Our thoughts are meant to glorify Him. If your thoughts are not honoring to your Creator, then you need to take them captive and focus on the things listed in this scripture. 

What can you think about today that is “admirable,” “excellent,” or “praiseworthy”? Choose to take control of your habitual thoughts and manage your wandering minds by sitting down and writing out an answer to that question. If that sounds daunting or even impossible, remember that when God calls us to do something, He enables us to do it. You could start by making a list of some alternate thoughts to those you usually have. You could also make a list of Scripture to memorize . You could crank up that worship music. 

When our minds are overtaken with worry, distress, or discouragement, we must choose to call to mind the truths we know if we ever hope to win this battle. We must be prepared to do the hard work if we ever want to see the change. 

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable — if anything is excellent or praiseworthy — think about such things.

Press on ~ you are loved 💗