Fixing our thoughts

PH 4:8 

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. 

One of the great hymns of all time, "It is Well" was written after Horacio Spafford had suffered the loss of his business in the Chicago Fire and of his daughters in a shipwreck. But far from shaking his faith in God, this tragedy caused our brother to draw even closer. His faith was challenged, but left pure as silver. 

Today, the world is being shaken to its core for the second time in my life. 9/11/01 seemed to be the end of the world, but within a few months we were back to the same old grind. The current crisis seems different. I do not anticipate that we will ever be able to go back to what we had. We have begun to discover a world where freedom is severely restricted, and this will not go away once the virus ebbs. Is this the beginning of the end? Is the white horse ready for its rider? Maybe. It's all in God's hands. If so, even so, Lord Jesus come. If not, we will learn to adjust to a new paradigm. Irregardless, those of us who know Him need not be shaken. 

I no longer watch the news. I do not listen to the radio. I am not actively trying to figure out what is going down next. It's not that all of this is not compelling. It very much is. However, this is not where I am choosing to focus. Rather, each and every day, if I am to remain faithful, my heart must wake up with gratitude for what I have, and consider each thought. If it's true, I think about it. If it's honest, I will trust it. If it's just, I will rest in it. If it's pure, I will dwell in it. If it's lovely, I will admire it. If it's of a good report or of any virtue or praiseworthy, I will believe it. A few weeks ago the preacher pointed out that promises for provision and care for God's people are found throughout the entire Bible. Our problem is not that we have not heard, but that we have not believed, and casted our cares upon Him. Changing this paradigm to one of trust is my desire. Who will come with me in this journey?