Finding it difficult to think of the good? Start simple. I like to write things down in order to think, but for you it might be easier to have a picture in your mind or maybe you are more tactile--if so grab a soft blanket or something that brings you comfort. Now just start thinking of small things you can be grateful for. A hot drink. A warm bed. A good friend. The beauty of creation.
As time allows simply let your mind continue thinking about the good, the true, the noble, things that are pure and lovely. Then turn those thoughts to God, the giver of all good things. Begin to thank Him specifically for these blessings in your life. Invite His presence into the very depths of your being.
Just thinking about the good doesn't make the bad go away so please don't misunderstand me here. The important thing is to continue into allowing God to be center even in unpleasantness. It is simply too easy to get focused on what is going wrong. But God doesn't want that to be what we keep as a priority in our thought life nor does it bring the peace God wants to give us.
I challenge you (and I'm going to accept this challenge as well) to for one entire day throw out any thought that doesn't come into line with this verse. Post on instagram, facebook, twitter, etc. only encouragement. Share the good you've taken in.
In my Bible I've written in the margin next to this verse, "Do this (with an arrow toward what we need to think on--Phil 4:8) to get this (with an arrow toward verse 7 which tells us that the peace of God will fill our being. Again, I want to caution you--just thinking good thoughts will not bring you lasting peace. Yes, there is value in thinking on the good, but that alone is not enough to carry us through the difficulties of life. Only when we bring God into the mix will we truly have the peace we need in order to not only survive, but thrive.
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