I think God knew how our minds would struggle with letting go of what discourages us and giving it to the Lord … over and over again in our minds. Perhaps that’s why He followed the prescription for Dumping the Dumps with the recipe for what TO think about. Sadly, we often leave out the following verse, which is personally my favorite part. Paul reminds the reader that he has proven that this recipe works (he lived it out in prison), and he underscores the challenge with a reminder about the reward. God knows we love rewards!
Philippians 4:8-9
Finally, brothers, 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. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
If only we would filter my thoughts more regularly through this ingredient list of thoughts that turn my perspective “up” instead of “down.” I want the God of peace to be with me! Don’t you?
You may’ve memorized this in the past, or you may’ve even “re-memorized it” a few times too, but wouldn’t this be a great passage to write out and pray over this weekend? Let’s THINK UP this weekend and ask the Lord to use this divine filter to help us live Up From the Dumps.
Praying the God of peace will be with you,
