It starts with a thought. Let it be the truest

 Dear reader,

Psalms 2:11 says, "Serve the LORD with fear". I was thinking about what this means to me and silently praying. I don’t know if that is in me but I want it to be in me. And so, I was just thinking about how I struggle with negative thoughts and how whenever I hear that I should have good thoughts, I equate it to particular kinds of thoughts, not everything. Like that situation where you think you can only present certain things to God and deal with others yourself.

But the thing is, having good thoughts isn't just about certain kinds. Its about all kinds of thoughts that come up. Sure, you won't think about murdering someone or stealing. But what about complaining, excessive worry or lies. What about laziness, jealousy, taking offence, lust. The list can go on. Thinking ill of others because you just don't like them. Bad mouthing people?

Aren't we tasked to think of good things? Whatever is of good report or noble? We are. But how come we don't. I don't. How come we fear excessively? It starts somewhere. From a thought that is birthed into an action.

Photo by Rebe Pascual on Unsplash

I was saying to myself, I don’t have good thoughts. I am afraid so many times. I feel like I am literally the worst most at times and I can't imagine myself thinking about the good in me. But then again, I thought about this, 

You have not been given a spirt of fear but of power, love and a sound mind. 

The negative thoughts will come, they like to do that, but you come in and entertain the good thoughts. Think on what is good and admirable. Over and over….

Philippians 4:8 (GNT) says 

"In conclusion, my dear brothers and sisters, fill your minds with those things that are good and that deserve praise: things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely and honourable." Let this be your campus

The passion translation says, 

"Keep your thoughts continually fixed on all that is authentic and real, honourable and admirable, beautiful and respectful, pure and holy, merciful and kind. And fasten your thoughts on every glorious work of God, praising him always." 

We are urged to meditate on things true, to fill our minds with them. 

The best not the worst

The beautiful not the ugly

Things to praise not to curse.

If it's not true or beautiful or of good report, do not dwell on it. I think that is part of obedience. Doing the word of God. 

Photo by Vitaly Mazur on Unsplash