Philippians 4:8 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.
“What’s on your mind?” is the world’s most addictive question to answer because of the freedom that comes with the platform. It prompts us to share the things you’re proud of and happy about, but it also puts us in a state of comparison when our current situation isn’t ideal.
It has the power to create ripples of encouragement and inspiration, but it also lures us into word wars that cause divide and hatred beyond our screens. Truth be told, these mood starters or life changers start with a thought.
Your mind is like an empty garden. Through the years, the seeds planted by your family, your peers, and your experiences either grow flowers or the weeds that choke them.
There different kinds of seeds our minds have grown. There are seeds of from the Lord that bear fruit (ie love, joy, peace, faithfulness, gentleness, goodness, patience, self control, kindness ) while there are seeds from the world like insecurity, jealousy, envy, unworthiness; seeds of doubt, fear, worry, anxiety; seeds of resentment, blame, retaliation, disobedience; seeds of trauma and abuse, lust and addiction.
How’s your mind, love? What have you been thinking about lately? Is it spiraling again or is it calm today? Where your mind now?
Is it in strolling along memory lanes of what if’s, is it basking the present moment of pain or bliss, or is it wandering in the world of daydreams and uncertainty? What trees and flowers have you grown?
How many have you lost to the storm of life, to the pests that whisper lies?
Whatever seed we choose to focus on, will definitely grow. And while our past is past, we can’t deny that there are deeply rooted trees that still keep us captives. Instead of trying to cut them down with our own strength, we can nurture the seeds the Lord planted in our hearts since the day we started to accept Him as our Lord and Savior.
We can also choose to let more flowers bloom, while letting God take care of breaking strongholds and chains of our past. How do we do that?
Paul teaches us what seeds to plant, and it starts with the Lord and His Word because it is true, just as He is the way, truth and life. When we allow Him to fill our thoughts, through meditating on His word, we allow Him to consume us and live in our hearts.
When we do this, the godly way of thinking follows suite. We start seeing the good in ourselves, and the good in other people. It not as easy as it sounds, because we will always fall short, and even the people we love will disappoint us.
But because our thoughts are aligned with what is who is true, it isn’t as hard to extend more grace. Whatever is noble, right and pure – these are thoughts from the Lord who is the King of all Kings, righteous and blameless.
We are then called to think like Him, we look at things from above where the worries of this world look smaller. Whatever is lovely, admirable, excellent or praiseworthy – this still prompts us to fix our eyes on Jesus, who is the ultimate standard of perfection.
When we focus on Him, we focus on love. When our thoughts are aligned and anchored in His attributes, when we keep dwelling in His presence, we allow ourselves to be molded and shaped into Christlikeness so much so that our thoughts influence our words, and actions.
We become models of His Word, through exuding the same grace, love and mercy given to us.
In His time, we will all bear fruit. And our families, friends, co-workers, and our brothers and sisters in Christ will be witnesses to how He has multiple the seeds of His promise, His provision, His protection, and His peace in our lives.
What seeds are you planting in your mind today? Are you nurturing them through meditating on His Word, day and night?
It all starts with a thought. And the thinking starts with Him. Dear one, I encourage you to hold on to His promise in Philippians 1:6 : “The good work He has begun in you, He will bring into completion until the day of Christ.”.
Keep planting seeds from His Word, let more flowers bloom.
