Philippines 4:8, “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”
As I was traveling today at 7:30 am, listening to music on my phone, the verse again that I had prayed to myself the day before popped into my head. His mercies and steadfast love are new each day from Lamentations. 3:22-23.
I had just come out of a normal medical procedure the week before that left me a little rattled. I am not getting any younger and each year the stakes get a little higher for medical examines coming out “positive”. However, from all outward appearance there was no reason for me to worry except for a few slight changes that concerned me. Of course those were the ones that I “naturally” honed in on.
Philippines 4:8 tells us to think on things that are good, pure, and truthful. I thought I was doing pretty good until the whole procedure was over and the results all came back a resounding “negative”. It was then I felt my body relaxing. I was surprised I was worrying more then I wanted to let on. As I headed back to the doctors as a follow up, listening to the music, being reminded of the verses in Lamentations 3:22-23, my heart felt a ping of thankfulness. God reminded me, I need him every day afresh! If he says his mercies are new each day wouldn’t it be to my benefit to cling to him a fresh each new day.
Do I wake up seeking God, reminded of his mercies and steadfast love for me? Or do I wake up with the today’s list and then devotions as one of those things on my list or do I wake up to the cares of the world on my mind.Nothing wrong with to do lists but more times than I want to admit, I wake up to the second question rather than the first! May my prayer be, “Lord, may I wake up being reminded of your mercies and steadfast love for me, with a thankful heart, desiring you. May I think on things that are just, pure, honest and praise worthy in every situation or circumstance. This is your day and may I rejoice in it.”
This morning as I remembered his blessings it made my heart thankful even more. No matter what happened yesterday it doesn’t matter, we have His mercies new today and his steadfast love is never ending.
My soul needs to seek and cling to him everyday anew. I need to be reminded each day to turn to him for his mercies and steadfast love. If I was more diligent in grasping this more intently maybe by the end of the day I wouldn’t be so spent. Maybe when things hit me, it wouldn’t hurt so much. Maybe when something is said or done to me my response would be a little bit more graceful toward that other person. Maybe, I would recognize when I hurt others or I wouldn’t hurt them as much and be willing to ask for forgiveness quicker or humble myself more. Most of all I wouldn’t be so hard on myself when I fail and get up quicker. Be more willing to run into God’s arms knowing He loves me no matter what!
So even though I worried more about this examine than I should have, its okay, he loves and gives me His mercies new each day. His love isn’t any less and is always there. I can look up and say, “Lord, forgive me. Thanks Lord!” Then use the time to Praise Him, centering in on who He is and let that wash over my spirit as joy enters my spirit again. God put these types of verses there for a reason.
As I pray for you, May you center in on who He is and let Him wash over your spirit. May you “feel” His spirit of mercy and steadfast love. May He refresh your soul, with renewed joy, and carry you above your problems today. May you take time to ask for forgiveness, run into His arms and use the time to praise and thank Him instead of worrying. Daily!
Philippines 4:8, “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”
Personal Reflection: Are you worrying about something today? Its okay God is there, he understands and loves you. Take time to read Lamentations 3, especially Lam. 3:22, 23 and Philippines chapter 4:4-8 and be reminded of God’s mercies and steadfast love for you. Tell us ways you are thankful today. How can we pray for you especially if you aren’t at that place yet? Any comments put in the section “Are you Worried?”
From One Pilgrim to another together on the journey
”Consider how you may spur one another on towards love and good deeds….. encouraging one another–and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” Hebrews 10:24-25 (NIV)
“Teaming up with God to empower a movement of mission focused women to see God in their story, bringing hope in order to develop a more effective life and ministry.”
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