Philippians 4:8 “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.”
God wants me to focus on the good. In every situation, he wants me to turn my thoughts toward truth, beauty, purity, and excellence. It isn’t that I’m supposed to live in denial of the fallen world around me, but that I can’t let it drag me down. It is too easy to be distracted by counterfeits, to entertain my mind with the shallow and profane, to feel frustration over the latest news story, or to focus my attention on what’s faulty – in myself and in others. But our Lord’s desire is to lift my thoughts toward him and toward the good that still exists. He desires to fill my mind with whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy. Because God is active in this world, good things can be found nearly everywhere if I pay attention.
Father, please fill my mind with the good today. Keep me from criticizing others or focusing on all the negative aspects of the world around me. Pull my thoughts toward the fresh air of your presence. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.