TODAY’S SIGNATURE VERSE ••• Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. (Philippians 4:8 ESV)
PRAISE & PRAYER PROMPT ••• If for no other reason I miss our pre-COVID-19 days… at least there were some positive things to talk about. Right now, everything feels like fear, doom, and gloom. Though I have hope in Jesus, the constant negativity in the news takes a toll. It’s mentally draining and exhausting. It probably didn’t help that right before I went to bed last night, I watched a 20-minute video about the CHAZ (or CHOP —whatever they are called this week) and another 45-minute video about Coronavirus.
I woke up feeling like quoting Solomon, “So I hated life, because what is done under the sun was grievous to me, for all is vanity and a striving after wind” (Ecclesiastes 2:17). Then, I realized I needed to quote Paul instead. “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things” (Philippians 4:8).
But… It’s really hard to find for truth when there is so much conflicting information… but thankfully, we have the Bible, the true Word of God (2 Timothy 3:16).
It’s really hard to find anything honorable when we have people destroying our cities in the name of protest… but thankfully, we know that the very name of Jesus is worthy of honor (Philippians 2:9-11).
It’s really hard to find justice when some are tipping the scales too far one way or the other… but thankfully, we serve a God who loves justice (Isaiah 61:8).
It’s really hard to find anything pure in a world so polluted with greed, acrimony, and hatred… but thankfully, God is pure love (1 John 4:7-21).
It’s really hard to find anything lovely when masks are covering our smiles and social distancing keeps us from hugging our friends… but thankfully, the Fruit of the Spirit can be seen and felt from distance (Galatians 5:22-23).
It’s really hard to find anything commendable since doing so means someone who disagrees with you is going to quickly point out all the ways they think you’re wrong… but thankfully, Jesus is worthy and no one can make me doubt otherwise (Psalm 145).
It’s really hard to find excellence in a world of chaos and uncertainty… but thankfully, we have the Holy and excellent name of Jesus who promises us peace and gives us confidence because of His power (John 14:27, Philippians 4:13).
It’s really impossible to find anything worthy of praise… but thankfully, the king of Kings and lord of Lords, Jesus Christ, is worthy of all praise, honor, and glory (Romans 14:11).
As we become overcome by the pressures of the world, let us remember Philippians 4:8… all goodness points to Jesus. May we keep our eyes focused on Him despite everything we face.
Today, as you pray, thank Jesus for being worthy of all praise. Thank Him that despite all that’s going on, He is on the throne! Ask the Holy Spirit to help you focus on the good of Jesus instead of the wrongs that dominate our headlines. Ask Him to use you to shine the light of Jesus even in this dark and dismal world.
SHARING ••• Please share with others! Visit www.MyGraceFullLife.com to read past blogs. ***Unless noted otherwise, all Scripture references are from the ESV translation.
