A Change in Focus

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A Change in Focus

Read Philippians 4:1-9

Whatever is true, ... noble, ... right, ... pure, ... lovely, ... admirable ... think about such things. ... And the God of peace will be with you.
-Philippians 4:89 (NIV)

ONE night I had to ask our neighbors to turn down their music so we could sleep. The next day, I got ready to write them an angry letter about how I and other neighbors feel about them and their rowdy friends.

As I let my anger run wild, the Lord reminded me of the wonderful church service the previous Sunday and of being with our friends at an upcoming retreat. I thought about our home Bible study and the new people who would be coming the next week. I recalled my faithful Christian children and our wonderful grandchildren. I thought about the good that God was doing in my life and in the lives of my loved ones and friends. In only a few seconds, my negative attitude had been driven out by good things.

Over the next few hours I caught myself slipping back into the negative, and each time I would fight back by considering again all the good that God had done and was doing in my life. I realized that Paul encourages us to dwell on the true, noble, right, pure, and lovely because if we do that, no room is left for anger. Instead, we will find the life of peace we all seek.

Richard Lewis (California, USA)
Prayer
Dear God, help us to set our minds on you and on the blessings you bring us. Amen.

Thought for the Day
In the midst of anger, we can find peace by thinking about all the good God has done.