Being Real

Some people may find it difficult to train their mind to think on lovely things.  Seeing, hearing and speaking all of the difficult, dark, terrible, ugly and even impossible things is what we are prone to do, as this is the nature of our flesh; especially in a day when those things seem to dominate everything.  Drama, darkness, fear, doom and gloom are the stars of the day.  But this is what God's Word tells us to do:

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. Philippeans 4:8

It is important to train our mind to think and our lips to speak according to this verse, and though not always an easy thing to do, in doing it, we are the victors of the dark and difficult days.    We do not need to succumb to a dark prognosis, instead we need to trust our Father and the promises of His word.  We are to be  known as "Believers", not "Unbelievers"  Our answer is in Him, and he gives us permission and even an admonition to think on those things… the positive things, the beautiful things, the hopeful things, the best things.  Miracles happen as a result of our belief; our faith and our trust in Him.  We shouldn't be advertisers for the enemies plans; we should be a light that shines in the darkness; and stand strong in our Savior in all circumstances.

I felt a strong desire to write this today.  I began by posting some of the lovely moments of February that I have had.  But this scripture has  been on my mind the last few days, and I have felt compelled to write about it.  Do you ever feel as if you are bombarded with negative reports, negative discussions, negative news, negative expectations by those around you?  It can have an effect on your own outlook.  I sometimes even feel as if others are annoyed with my insistence on seeing things in a positive light, and that I should learn to be "real; as if believing and trusting in the goodness of God isn't real.  There is a subtle message in our day, and I often hear it in media and in social media, that "if people  express negative, hopeless, faithless,  rude, gossipy, or even angry feelings, they are somehow noble; because they are being real".  I'm sure you've heard this statement before "let me just be real"… it usually prefaces a negative statement, a negative thought.

I long to refresh you today; I want to encourage and remind you to think about what it is lovely. Remember all of the Lord's promises in your life and hold onto them; they are real.  He is real.  His Word is real.  Believe in His promises, and think about what is good, express your faith and "be real" in Him.

I'll catch up with you again soon, with some of my "lovely" moments in February.  I would love to hear from you and what is lovely in your life.