TODAY’S SIGNATURE VERSE ••• Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. (Philippians 4:8 NKJV)
PRAISE & PRAYER PROMPT ••• I am stubborn.
I’m also a control freak.
I’m patient for the most part… until I’m not.
When a stubborn control freak loses patience, I think they call that “a perfect storm.” It’s not fun or pretty for anyone.
There’s been a storm brewing in my mind for weeks, and my patience is wearing thin. The current events of our world are at the heart of it. As I’ve grown increasingly frustrated, I finally remembered something important this week… Something I am clinging to as a way to diffuse this internal anger I’ve been feeling about the world and what feels like the entire collapse of civility, respect, human decency, and common sense.
I’m sick of political power plays and how our media has pitted people against one another. I’m so done talking about and hearing about vaccines and watching leaders cast blame on everyone but refuse to accept any for themselves. I’m disgusted by people’s total lack of personal accountability and a downright lack of respect for people. I’m sick of hearing excuses and attempts to validate selfish agendas.
And despite my anger and frustration, I can’t seem to stay out of it! I still open up the news apps and listen to podcasts that make my blood boil!
However, as I’ve navigated these complicated emotions and sifted through news that is chaotic and confusing, the Lord has spoken to my heart a few times in the last few days, specifically with Philippians 4:8. It says, “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.”
In other words: turn off the news. And turn to worship.
It occurred to me that there are a few things I can’t do when I choose to worship. First, I can’t worry. God is in control. He is just, loving, and good.
Next, when I worship, I can’t focus on the lies around me when I’m focused on the truth of Jesus.
And when I’m thinking about God’s glory and how He is all-powerful, I can’t be angry or impatient.
What I discovered is that when my frustrations are running rampant, worship diffuses them. Heartfelt worship for the One True Living God changes everything. All that’s wrong in this world goes blurry. And the greatness of God becomes clear.
So today, I choose worship. Will you choose it with me?
Today, as you pray, thank God for being worthy of worship. Ask the Holy Spirit to fill your heart and mind with everything listed in Philippians 4:8. And ask him to change you through worship.
SHARING ••• My Grace-Full Life is written by Denise Heidel. You are welcome to share anything I write, but please credit my writing and graphics accordingly. Visit www.MyGraceFullLife.com to read past blogs. Subscribe through my website to have My Grace-Full Life delivered to your email. You can unsubscribe at any time. Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture references are from the NKJV translation.
