“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.”
Philippians 4:8
When I was planning Wellthy by Design, this was the primary scripture I used to create the entire framework. In this letter to the Philippians, I believe Paul was trying to say that no matter what is going on, focus on the things in your lives that are going well; the things that are beautiful and good, and to not dwell on negative circumstances or outside influence.
As human beings, we have so much more power than we realize. God gave us the ability to be able to disrupt a negative thought with something that is positive to replace it. He doesn’t want us to get stuck in a pattern of negative thoughts that don’t serve us.
“…Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid”.
John 14:27
If we’re reading this correctly, and using correct grammar (which of course they did in the time of King James), this sentence can clearly have the word “you” put in front of it. It’s a command, and when we put “you” in front of it, the sentence makes sense.
This indicates we have the power to let our hearts not be troubled. We have the power to think on or imagine things that are joyful, uplifting, cheerful, and allow gladness in.
When I catch myself with an ugly thought that I’m allowing the churn around in my head, I’ll stop and ask myself, “Steph, of all the thoughts you could be having right now, is that really the thought you want to have?”
This question disrupts the loop in my mind and I’m forced to replace it with something that is true, and honest, and just, and pure.
We need to realize the power and authority we have because Jesus died on a cross, and our lives are now lived in and through him. He placed in our spirit his Holy Spirit who infuses us with all of God’s character and goodness. IF… we allow for that. We have to be willing participants.
“For in him we live, and move, and have our being;”
Acts 17:28
When we realize he took all our issues with him and nailed them to the cross, it puts a different perspective on things.
So the next time you find yourselves worried, stressed, or afraid, let not your heart be troubled. You literally have the power to stop and change it.
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