“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” (Philippians 4:8)

     We’ve had enough of the negative stuff come our way.  It’s time to start taking in the goodness of God, the beauty of his creation, the love he has for his people, and the love we can also have for each other. 

     It’s so easy to take sides, finding reasons to disagree on just about anything.  Let’s not forget that in Christ, we have a lot more in common than we give ourselves credit for.  We have a God who wants to be in relationship with us, to learn from him, and to know the joy of life. 

     Sure, I can dwell on the things that upset me—the news that is so disheartening, the events of the past that I’d just as soon forget, the sins of the past that I am supposed to be putting away, but that’s not living; that’s mere existing and not much beyond that.  We were meant to enjoy the blessings we have.  We may not have great possessions, but we have the love of Christ within, which is something we can build our lives on.

Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for all of the good things we have been blessed with.  Help us to focus on that every day.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.