Dwell on These Things

This post is by Patty Lewis.

Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. 

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable--- if there is any moral excellence and if there is anything praiseworthy--- dwell on these things.                   Philippians 4:6-8

I start with Scripture sometimes when I write because it is holy and my words, though plenty, are not.  There is a deep desire in me to be encouraging and uplifting.  Here, beginning with my favorite passage of Scripture, I see a treasure in the dwelling places that is quite encouraging.  These instructions are a clear guide to how to handle all the things.  I so often forget to just seek Him in His Word and there I will find the sustenance I need.

This month as we are reviewing and previewing at Hello Mornings, this verse does seem to fit well.  During our times of reviewing this past year, let’s be willing to face the hard things, but let’s also not dwell there.  Let’s dwell on the things of this past year that are true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, and commendable.  (The KJV says “think on these things” rather than “dwell”)  There are going to be events, people, interactions, goals met/not met yet, hurt, loss and struggles to consider.  Our present reality of living in this world that is passing away is real.  However, consider God’s direction to us in Philippians 4:6-8.  He is telling us to dwell, or think on, the morally excellent and praiseworthy things.  This doesn’t mean we don’t grieve or hurt.  Just that we don’t worry and in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present our requests to Him.

Looking back over this past year is a long look, and we can often forget things.  Too often, those things we forget are the ones that are lovely and honorable.  Let’s ask God to help us see from His perspective and as we review, let’s allow ourselves time and grace.

When we are previewing for the coming days and year, let’s similarly remember His promises to us of our futures. 

Commit your achievements to the LORD, and your plans will be established. Proverbs 16:3

“For I know the plans I have for you”  --- this is the LORD’s declaration --- “plans for your well-being, not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.”             Jeremiah 29:11

The Lord has plans for us.  They are good, they are pure, they are lovely, they are honorable, they are morally excellent, they are praiseworthy – He is praiseworthy.  As we look forward, let’s do so with hope and thanksgiving. 

“…I have come so that they may have life and have it in abundance.” John 10:10b

 He came so we would have life and have it in abundance.  So, we can live abundantly!  Looking forward to this next year, I want to know from where I have come, but I more so want to live in the hope and freedom I know I have in Jesus Christ.  As I set goals and look forward, I want to do so knowing He holds me in His hand, and I rest in His shadow.  That there is no place I can go away from His love.  I can make plans and set goals that I commit to Him, and He will establish my plans.  I know that as I plan, I am submitted to His will and willing to be flexible.  This causes excitement to stir in me because I know He cares, and I know He has encouraged me to live well, I see it in His Word.

Let’s review and preview in concert with our Lord!  This is the time He has put us here in this place wherever we live on earth, and He has plans and purpose for us – and they are good! 

Whether you are reviewing or previewing, remember this…

We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God, who are called according to His purpose.  For those He foreknew He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.                    Romans 8:28-29

Enjoy your reflection on this past year and your dreams for the coming one!

May The Lord bless you and keep you! 

Patty Lewis lives on the Space Coast of Florida with her Husband, Son and one cat.  She is a homeschool Momma, loves serving other Moms and Youth in her Church and community through encouragement in practical ways and enjoys reading, gardening, Disney, coffee, anything with her family and laughing really loud.

Photo by Markus Winkler on Unsplash