Controlling My Thoughts

READ: COLOSSIANS 3:1-17

It’s a beautiful, sunny morning as I write this. I’m sitting in a comfortable and quiet space. When I was getting settled here at my computer though, I was drawn toward a news article that I saw about a sports player I’ve followed and some relationship drama he has going on. I considered opening one of the articles and reading about what he said was happening—and then, of course, what his girlfriend said as well.

But then Philippians 4:8 popped into my head: “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.” Now, I’ve read about celebrity drama before, and I probably will again. But I can admit that it doesn’t really make me feel good. It doesn’t benefit me in any way. It doesn’t even help me to know what’s actually going on. Each side claims they’re in the right, and I can’t really know who to believe.

The sun is shining—that’s something good that I can focus on, rather than getting drawn into dramatic rumors about two hurting individuals. God is good and loving, and He is the one who has given me the sunshine and a safe, comfortable, and quiet place to write. I can focus on that. I can focus on praising Him. I can be attentive to the Holy Spirit and do the good things God is setting before me to do—things that will bless others, care for creation, and invite people to know and follow Jesus.

I can focus my thoughts on God and all the good He has done and is doing, rather than getting pulled into a dark and sad story where I don’t really even know what’s truth and what’s fiction. What I think about and focus on matters. So, as Colossians 3:2 says, I can choose to set my mind on things above. • Emily Acker

• As humans, we’re wired for connection with other people, and we’re drawn to stories. Sadly, sin twists these good desires toward things like gossip and drama, which are unhelpful at best, or harmful at worst. When do you notice your focus shifting to unhelpful or even harmful things? Consider taking some time to talk to Jesus about this—telling Him how you feel, confessing any sin, and resting in His sure forgiveness and compassion. He will help you refocus on Him every time.

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. Philippians 4:8 (NIV)