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 once again 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. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.”
- Philippians 4:8-9

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 recent college graduate Abbie, her engagement and pending marriage, and her maturity in life, leadership and faith over the entirety of her college career and young professional life.

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 young professionals.

Or, I can think of the birth of my grandson Gavin, and all the joy that he has 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