Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
We have this verse posted on our television, with the title "God's TV Guide." Corny, I know, but it has been a helpful reminder at times that a particular program is not one we (or our kids) need to watch.
This week I've been trying to follow this counsel from a more difficult perspective. I've been surrounded by brokenness, loss, suffering and grief in my community. So many of those I love have lost something precious, and so have I. The loss is all too true, but it certainly isn't lovely or excellent.
Some people try to deny their pain, or claim something wrong is actually right, but that doesn't work for me. I can't deny the pain, but I can limit its power over me by keeping my mind focused on the fact that God is with me in every moment. God's spirit in me allows me to face the evil in this world straight on, because His power is noble in the presence of depravity, pure when the world is spoiled, and always worthy of praise.
The pain runs deep right now, but healing will come. That is the good that I need to remember in the midst of the bad. Healing and wholeness will come.
No comments:
Post a Comment