When I Think

Summing it all up, friends, I’d say you’ll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse.
Philippians 4:8 The Message

I've heard a lot of stories from people regarding their personal experiences and thoughts on last week's Category 3 tornado that blew through our town and several surrounding cities. As a region, we are blessed beyond measure that NO one died during the blustering rampage. And we are so grateful to God for His mercy.

Most of the stories started with, "When I think what could have happened..." and then the stress and/or the tears followed... Why is it - as humans - we are so ready to focus on the evil that could have happened and get upset about it rather than rejoice and give thanks that it didn't happen? Why is it we have to spend quite a bit of time talking people out of a state of upset and into a place of thanksgiving and praise over things that "almost" or "could have" happened, but didn't? When you think, choose wisely...

Prayer:

Father,

           Your Word tells us to guard our hearts above all else, for it determines the course of our lives. Holy Spirit, convict our hearts when we choose to think about the what-ifs rather than what God did. Turn us from the path that leads us falsely to fear. When we think, Father, remind us to fill our minds and meditate on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse. And to ALWAYS give You all praise in all things. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen