“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. Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you.” Philippians 4:8-9 (NLT)
Here the Apostle Paul reminds Christ followers to direct their attention toward matters that usher in peace, positive thinking, and positive actions. He called the church to make these aspects of their lives a primary focus. By doing so, believers would become united in their thoughts and actions. This is the cry of God’s heart for our country today.
Where our thoughts go –– our actions follow.
Are you as heartbroken as I am over the division in our country? Friends, neighbors, coworkers, even families, divided over so many different issues in so many different ways. It’s virtually impossible to watch the news these days without getting an earful of arguing within the first two minutes. Nowhere in God’s Word does He tell us to feast on disagreements and division –– quite the opposite. God’s greatest desire is for us to be of the same mind and same love – the mind and love of Christ (Philippians 2:1-8). To be of one accord, embracing sympathy, humility, brotherly love, and a tender heart (1 Peter 3:8). Isn’t it time for us to seek God’s will through His Word and unite as brothers and sisters in Christ?
With the many storms we experience throughout life, it can sometimes be challenging to keep a positive perspective. But storms also challenge us to put our thoughts, priorities, and even our lives into perspective.
Storms, both emotional or physical, can be devastating, distracting, and can leave us anxious, frustrated, hurting, and asking “why?” But they can also bring us closer. People who were once divided over trivial issues come together to care for one another in the midst of a crisis. We also seek God more when life storms hit. When tragedy strikes, we naturally run for shelter and the safest place to be –– is in the loving arms of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ –– the one who offers peace, comfort, hope, and reassurance at all times and in all situations.
Physical storms and crisis’s, such as fires, hurricanes, tornados, and earthquakes, cause many to lay aside their differences and unite as one people, all while seeking God’s presence and comfort in the process. Wouldn’t it be a blessing if we could remain united, with love and care for one another – in spite of our differences, even when storms weren’t brewing? Wouldn’t it be a gift to our country if we would all seek God’s presence daily –– storm or no storm?
Are you seeking God’s face daily, allowing Him to influence your outlook on life, and letting the storms of life bring out the best in you?
