Thinking is one thing I do a lot of. Being a planner and part-perfectionist, I drive myself crazy considering all possible alternatives to a plan. After I have mulled them all over, I finally choose my direction. At least to start out with. If that direction doesn’t work, I go to Plan B. My reasoning is that only by thinking very hard about something can I come up with the best possible solution. I will admit that can be a heavy burden to bear, that all of my thinking has to have good results. You know what kind of thinking is easy to do and ALWAYS has good results? Thinking about good things!
And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Philippians 4:8
Of course, we need to think about what needs to be done in our lives and how to handle it best. But when I read Philippians 4:8, it seems to say to me…If you plan on doing lots of thinking (and I do), think on good things for awhile. Thinking doesn’t always have to be about problem-solving, but praising the true problem-solver. How much would my life change if I took ten minutes a day and did nothing but think of all that’s Good, God.
Let’s call this a faith exercise. I will do this too. How about we set a timer, go to a quiet, alone place and do nothing but think how great God is! Mentally list all that He has done for yourself and others. Think of how awesome He is to love us with all of His abundant love. Think about how much love that is! Think about anything that deserves praise. Let it fly. Do not open a book, check your phone or email until the timer goes off. I am starting now. See you in ten minutes. I just sent my puppy to the basement with my husband so I can focus. Ok, Tina, think!
Wow…That felt way longer than I thought it would be, but what a wonderful time of praise! I kept expecting the timer to go off, so I almost got distracted. Thinking on good, happy things about our Lord brings peace. I felt closer to my Savior the more I praised Him for who He is and what He has done and for loving me as I am and saving me. Having no distractions made the time seem longer, more purposeful and fuller and of better quality. That is how prayer should be, full and rich with praise. Not once did I make any plans or think of my to-do list! Was this your experience too? Thank You, Lord, for this!
The Lord is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation; this is my God, and I will praise him, my father’s God, and I will exalt him. Exodus 15:2
Dear Father, Holy God,
We exalt You. We lift up Your name to be praised above every other name. You not only have done great things for us but You answer us when we pray for others! You cannot help but be good. That is who You are. We praise You for all of Your plans, whether our human mind can understand them or not. We trust You and know You love us. We will try to spend more quality time meditating on how awesome You are, when our schedule gets hectic or trials threaten to take us down. You are faithful and excellent! We love You. Amen
Love and prayers to everyone. Have a great Tuesday!
Just me. Just His.
Tina
Glory in the Morning 