Dwell

From time to time, I, like many of us, have moments when I can dwell upon all the negative or down things that somehow affect my life.

It’s easy, it begins with one thought that builds upon another thought. 
Then something else creeps in and builds upon that thought. 
Then, something happens that builds upon those thoughts that leads to more thoughts. 
Then, pretty soon, I find myself continuously dwelling upon such things all day or all night long.

Thus, any anger, frustration, sadness, darkness is written all over me - my face, my shoulders and ultimately, my attitude.

But then, as I find myself sinking into that cavern of doubt, anger and frustration, and questioning my self and my self-worth, I am reminded of this passage in Philippians:

“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.” - Philippians 4:8

I am reminded of my need for Jesus and my desire to become more and more like Him. 
I am reminded of all the good that also happened in my day, in my life, in my little part of the world... 
Reminded of all the good by which I am surrounded... 
Reminded to dwell upon such things.

For example, I can dwell on and list all of life that went wrong and all the bad things that happened to me and my family over the past 20+ years... 

Or I can think of the birth and life of my youngest daughter, Sarah Grace and how she has matured and grown into a godly young college sophomore. 

Or, I can think about my middle daughter Abbie and my son-in-law Hilton, and their maturity in life, leadership and faith over their young married and professional lives. 

Or, I can think of how my oldest daughter Ellie and my son-in-law George (who dated all through high school and college) are excelling as faith-filled parents and first responders.

Or, I can think of the birth of my grandsons, and all the joy that they have brought into Amy and my life.

I can think of the loss of family members, of job changes and of family moves in a negative light.... 

Or, I can think about the positive platform that God has given me in new places, new communities, and new circumstances.

Though I can learn from the losses... I can also savor the victories (and learn from those as well)

The enemy wants me to dwell on the negative, the anger filled moments, the frustrations, the disappointments, the lies of the devil. 

God wants me to dwell on whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable, if anything is excellent or praiseworthy.

In other words, God wants me to dwell upon Him and His character and His characteristics…. wants me to dwell upon Jesus and all that He is:

True... Noble... Right... Pure... Lovely... Admirable... Excellent... Praiseworthy...

Dwell upon such things.

Keep the Faith... Carpe Diem